If so, I would ask the village what exactly needs to be verified (enough freon in lines, a certain amount of temp drop between intake/exhaust air, etc)?  

I would imagine that getting a professional photographer to come in, take a large number of quality photo's, and utilize lighting techniques would pay dividends in regard to increasing interest in properties and the price it ends up being rented for.Does anyone have opinions on using a professional as opposed to taking pictures yourself? 

Welcome aboard @Raymond Lacson and congrats on diving in!  Take

So far, I am content in taking it slow, soaking up as much as I can here so I don't make too many mistakes along the way. 

Brand new to real estate, and have to say the podcast was a major factor in taking that leap.My wife and I have a house and a decent wage and are doing ok, but would like some passive income to get to the next level.

I echo Account Closed in taking action.

It is absolutely amazing that this agent took the time to reply to you and to explain some of the ins and outs of the market you are in. Take

So I recently went to a property and I'm interested in taking it.

She is very diligent in taking care of property and financially responsible.  

I would then send them a marketing piece explaining how I would be interested in taking the property off their hands for a creative financing situation (maybe a subject-to financing agreement and refinance later somehow).