Like deferred maintenance, (bad roof, worn out water heater/AC Unit, warped flooring, water damage) etc, unpaid utilities,  unpaid taxes, a second loan, unpaid HOA fees, a bad pool, bad reputation, sometimes squatters, sometimes they were drug houses, and so on.

But right now, it's my understanding that Texas has given a little more time on the requirements.Be happy to assist you...and the price is right...LOL, I don't charge any fee!

You can probably beat $2000/year insurance, but the management fee should be 10%, you need to factor in turnover too and 5% is probably not enough for both maintenance and turnover and I assume you added it, but you didn't mention property taxes (which have been terrible in Jackson County lately since Frank White decided to jack them through the roof). 

having a local commercial Banker is key I would never go with a national HML for construction.. unless I absolutely had to .. like right now I am at 1/2 point and 7%  for my vertical loans no junk fees and my bank even pays or the appraisals . :)  these are not credit score loans ( I mean I have a credit score) but thats just a formality its all about capital and relationships with your bankers and deposit relationships thats key as well.Yes your relationships with sub contractors will be a huge factor in profitability, both direct and indirect. 

So, the first question they usually ask a PMC is about fees - instead of asking about services and HOW those services are executed.EXAMPLE: PMC states they will handle tenant screening – what does that specifically mean?

I am planning to get into the TN real estate market as my first investment and am looking for some information.In particular: Areas to steer clear of, property management fees, typical cosmetic rehab costs, etc.My strategy is to put large down payments on 2 properties (relative to housing prices) to help pay for my living in NY while still gaining appreciation in a growing real estate market.

Is the PM investing in or in some other way financially committed to this deal (beyond the fee)?  

I don't consider them hidden gems.

That fee is based on the amount of work completed but is somewhere between $150-$400 typically.As far as the 10% fee charged during the first month that we lease a property, you are correct that is a part of our fee structure. 

Also, the fees plus being a forced buyer with a deadline on a 1031 exchange may negate the small tax savings.