Monitor Red Flags and Gut Instincts: Pay attention to warning signs such as unusually low bids, lack of transparency, or poor communication.

The property I'm purchasing was built in 1975 but has been well taken care of, does not have a pool or anything else unusual about it, and is in a good part of town.

I've never received a call later than 9pm, and it's very unusual for a tenant to call later than 6pm.

With rates in the 6s and an uncertain stock market, I might lean towards paying more in cash.

You’ll understand this the first time you sell a property and have to bring a check to the closing table.4) Similarly, don’t ask a lender to loan on a substandard deal because you’re either having a hard time finding properties or you want to take an unusual risk.5) Unless you’re just asking for some friendly advice or info, don’t present deals you do not have under contract.

Landlord/tenant laws are unusual and most LL are unaware, especially town by town.

Local economists' predictions are unclear/uncertain.  

They can recognize patterns of behavior that may indicate dishonesty, such as frequent changes in contact information, suspicious rental history gaps, or an unusual number of co-signers.

It’s not unusual to be prohibited from seeing the interior of a rental property until you’re under contract.  

If you are thinking of owning rental properties purely from the desire to tack on tax breaks to your current income, IMO that is a wrong expectation without some unusual circumstances and tax strategies.