1.67% seems high (NV is 0.87%, CA is about 1%)  Are there area indications that rents will continue to climb because of shortage of supply?

Maco indicators don't mean much unless you are buying a thousand houses. 

I just saw Dean Harris, the cohost of the program indicating that he can send it directly.

High levels of permits may indicate neighborhood growth and increased demand, offering clues for future investments.Connect with Contractors:Building permit lists often include contractor details.

They talked about their list and indicated that people they work with can get it.  

Furthermore, the report does not indicate any clogging.

And while Pennsylvania State Inheritance is typically also not recorded, all 67 Pennsylvania Recorder of Deeds are instructed to collect the tax if there is any indication that the property owner is deceased.

It doesn't necessarily mean the PM will be great, but it will mean they cared enough to put effort forward and that's a good indicator. 

Start-up costs are also deductible but are amortized over 15 years with a limit of 5k.Start-up costs have strict rules and your case might not be the same as this one.Case Summary:Timeline line of eventsStarted investigating property: FebPut first contract (canceled): MayBought first property: December 30thWhether a taxpayer is engaged in a trade or business is determined using a facts and circumstances test under which courts have focused on the following three factors that indicate the existence of a trade or business:Whether the taxpayer undertook the activity intending to earn a profit;Whether the taxpayer is regularly and actively involved in the activity; andWhether the taxpayer's activity has actually commenced.On the basis investor testimony, we may assume that he undertook this activity to make a profit and that he regularly and actively engaged in it.

It will also indicate who owns them or if there is an easement.