You cannot rely on the fact a particular company has a license; Yelp is a joke; and referrals from customers that have used a company once or twice, or for new construction, and have no long term history of the longevity of repairs/improvements made, are essentially useless.

In terms of longevity I would rather have a Duplex or a Tri-plex in an average area than have a commercial building with similar square footage. 

Getting a home inspection will help you look into those items and you can ask the inspector to try to point out some of those items and give you an idea of cost or longevity.

And since personal property was excluded in 2018 they have pivoted to market more heavily in real estate exchanges.You're right to look for a dedicated intermediary company with a national footprint and longevity in the industry. 

Factors such as your self employment situation, potential longevity of such, existing investments in a plan and a host of others will come into whether there is a benefit to be reaped through changing plans.  

So when screening S8 I just have to look for character, stability, and longevity, the economic screen is moot.

A Mountian view in my book is a must for longevity in the market and resale value.

Depends on how you see this property, low and slow rents breeds longevity.

Longevity of business and experience. 

I like all the advantages of the digital except the longevity/durability...