Or any identifying red flags to watch out for???

I looked in Upstate driving distance from the metro area specifically at SUNY towns but in one of my trips got hit w a blizzard and decided if I could drive 2 hours north I can easily fly 2 hours South and look at markets in warmer climate and invest in a State that's more landlord Friendly so I headed to a good old Southern Red State and with the recently changes in Tenants laws in NY Im so glad I did and not having to deal with the Snow was an added bonus!!!

If you're buying this thing at a significantly above market cap rate (or a discounted price, however you'd like to look at it), then I would absorb those costs. 35k isn't a ton to invest in what seems to be a pretty large multiunit property.The 2 years on the MLS detail is actually the biggest red flag here.

It sounds like a good (albeit very messy) deal, but it would only work if you're 1) willing to have a lot of red in cash flow and 2) This is truly a very long-term hold.

There are some red flags.

Red flags?

Locally here in Louisiana I have used Hancock Whitney and Red River Bank. 

Joe SplitrockA couple of comments in bold below as responses to your suggestions1.

There were some red flags involved but I’ve been doing as much of my own due diligence as possible.

Overall you should use that agent because he was bold enough and upfront to try and sale the deal which means he would do the same on your contracts!