I asked the trades for recommendations, asked neighbors, stopped at 10s of job sites, met them at the big box parking lot, snapped pics of the phone #s at red lights, etc. 

I use KKOS for counsel when I have such questions, they set up my LLCs and continue to advise whenever I have "grey zone" questions. 

Red states tend to be better at this than blue states.

As I'm sure you do, I have several clients who recently purchased in SE Austin and it will get a nice boost once a good commercial shopping zone is established.

Knowing the red flags of scams will decrease your chance of being a victim of a scam and possibly losing out on a lot of money.

Aana The first questions that comes to mind is this; Are short term rentals allowed in a historical home and then Are STR's allowed in the zoning that would support a historical home and lastly Are STR's allowed within the municipality where the property is located. 

Charlotte suburbs have been red-hot pretty much since the 90s (with the brief exception of the nation-wide downturn).In my opinion, the "investor-havens" like Belmont, Kannapolis, parts of Union County, Rock Hill are a little over-rated.

We are trying to diversify and have been looking in to syndications and Red D funds.

People that are adamant about moving in as soon as possible or they want to pay in months of rent in advance are red flags too.Could you list all of your tenant screening criteria?

Gaining a conditional use permit can take A LOT of time and the zoning office doesn't like people telling them they're wrong.3.