@Ki Lee sounds like there could be mold that can't be seen by a casual observer.

Remember, the showing is just as much for your potential tenant as it is for you - a chance to observe this person.

I am looking for close-to-home investments for rental income...just now building my first list on listserve and planning to start attending court house auctions to observe/learn. 

It has been observed across the nation in the last 30-50 years that most injuries and deaths caused by earthquakes are caused by things falling on people (not structural collapse).

Go ahead, I'm repeating what a CPA had said, my observation of a friend getting screwed and my own experience.

I went to one the other day just to observe but not a single person bid on anything so everything went back to the banks.

It would be better for a veteran investor to show you the ropes on your first deal, but you will learn a lot quicker and gain more confidence in yourself if you lead the way rather than follow and observe someone else.

Here is what I noticed, it would be great if others would also weigh in here with their own observations:(in order from largest group to smallest group)1.

To the casual observer who focuses on other asset classes some read a story, see a few struggling properties, and paint broad brush strokes.

In my market these are called "drive-by appraisals" and cost about $275So, with a refinance they have the luxury of knowing what it appraised for last time it sold and then they can observe (if they want) the updates made since then, the time of ownership, and the valuation of that area since the original purchase price.