I know when I was an active Broker my SOP  was get listing open escrow with buyer to be determined and order the preliminary title report prior to spending money on marketing someones property..

The data shows that guests usually look at only the first few before deciding to investigate further, so I’d narrow it down to your BEST 40 or 50. 

Just walk away if you sense they won't let you investigate any aspect of the property you wish to.

https://www.qcnews.com/news/investigations/unfinished-business-multiple-homeowners-claim-nc-builder-took-bank-draws-cash-and-left-their-homes-unfinished/?

Jenna, I am also looking to invest in Ohio and have done preliminary research. 

Curious on what actual investors experience as the bigger cities like Cleveland, Toledo, and Columbus are discussed more often here.The best way to investigate areas?

Looks like Paramount is under Federal investigation for having failed to make agreed payments. 

They will investigate and see if any rules were violated.

Hello BPers,I am an investor investigating the eastern Michigan market for flips, short term rentals and buy and holds. 

Learn the lawsDon't use a contract "off the internet", laws vary by state and are also regulated on a federal level Learn the financing techniques correctlyDon’t skip parts of the processDon’t ever do a “kitchen table” closingUse the proper deedAn attorney can help you with the legal work, but the rest you are on your ownYour guru will not bail you out“Investing” in someone else’s deal by providing a small 2nd loan so the “investor” can pay for “cash to the seller” and for “closing costs” so he can do the deal is a very bad planKnow what problems can ariseLearn the responses and solutions to problems before they are needed Know everything there is to know about Title and what that meansKnow who a "protected class" individual isLearn the "back doors"Learn human natureUnderstand timelinesUnderstand regulation enforcement (some of these "mistakes" have a 10 year statue of limitations ( they can charge you 10 years AFTER you do the transaction) and carry hefty fines and possible imprisonmentThe court doesn't accept "I didn't know" for an answer"Know that the source of the lead plays a serious role in some states and federallyKnow how much of a "profit" pushes the boundaries to invite an investigationYou can be sued by the seller if you don’t do things correctlyYou are automatically at fault if an investigator or attorney or regulator gets involved.