My area is appreciating quite quickly and there has been more and more construction over the years.If I were to go for it, what should I do for due dilligence beforehand, and are there any major red flags I should be aware of?

The crime report online shows red zone for whole Youngstown and not sure if there are good neighborhoods that can be considered.When I looked at Columbus, not of good options for Turn-key (either way too priced or not good).

Are you in Hawaii where the red clay gets tracked in?

IMO, if I don't have the capital for the down-payment, it's a red flag to me that I shouldn't be investing, or at least in the property(s) being sought after. 

@Michael Qubein - I recall couple of hints in various BP podcasts on youtube/webinars from BP - like having them short/straight to the point, hand signed touches people, yellow font on red for color scheme, but not like a full template. 

If they aren't willing to do that, then it's a red flag.2.

That should be a red flag right?

This will be partially an investment, but also because I would personally like to own property by the ocean, possibly as a place to retire or visit later in life.It seems that generally, coastal property appreciates fairly well, but I'd like to know if there are any red flags I should be aware of.

I particularly like the Red Bank and Hixson area.

I require all serious applicants to do the following:(1) Credit Check(2) Background Check(3) Landlord References(4) Income Verification(5) Employer ReferencesCall them all and be sensitive to any red flags or too many "yellow" flags