Another reason is if a really good deal showed up on my doorstep today (that either came to me organically, or I've uncovered), either off market or on market, I can close extremely fast if I need to to get the purchase.

If you identify their needs you will uncover their motivations.

But with as much as they found, and the history of the house I fully expect to uncover more.

I cross reference everything that was stated to me on the initial phone screen to what I uncover in my investigation into their history and background.

But if you get paid a success-based fee for uncovering leads, then it is not the same issue. 

My thought process is to direct mail, geo-target, cold call, etc just like I would to uncover wholesale or flip opportunities.

So many variables and hidden costs, you will not know about until the uncover themselves, one by one.

I have no experience with this... just passing it along.A quick search of the boards will uncover a number of other posts asking the same question as well.

I know that we need to look at obvious needs for repair, get both income and expense statements, copies of leases, etc. and that we should have a professional inspector to uncover any potential surprises, but before even all that, is there anything in particular that you are looking for that you consider immediate red flags when you assess your investment options?

Hopefully you can uncover the truth.