Very succinctly summarizes many of the techniques I use myself when evaluating properties, the most critical of which is filtering out those listings of $1k/night from the owner that just rents out their unit 3-5x/year and blocks it off as unavailable the other 300 days/year.

Open to critical feedback.  

Consulting and security of funds and documentation are the three legs that are critical for you. 

This framework should be comprehensive, covering all key areas of property management including financial management, tenant relations, routine and emergency maintenance, legal compliance, and property marketing.Identify the critical traits, skills, experiences, and credentials that distinguish a high-quality property management company.

@John ThomasIf you want to develop your rental property and reach financial freedom with real estate investments then begin early following these basic steps: research, network with professionals, look for a local market, put together a team of experts in this field, assess your financial situation, specify the criteria for investments, adopt baby steps, get to know all the details about the area where you want to invest money, then invest them or take part in any riveting event after thoroughly examining it.Put together a group of pros—people like farm operators, land agents, building firms' representatives, lawyers who handle real estate law issues or litigators dealing with real estate disputes, loan officers.

Considering that you want to retire in seven to ten years, it's critical to evaluate how various funding options fit into your long-term strategy.Property Management: Think about how you'll take care of the property if you want to rent it out.

And getting your potential buyer prequalified with a lender that offers these types of buy downs are critical, especially if that buyer is on the fence. 

After making the purchase, having a good PM is critical or it becomes active (not passive) income.

If you're a single mom with student loans, a car payment, and living paycheck-to-paycheck, then $20,000 would be devastating and a reserve is critical.

Try to get the fixes done as cheaply as possible, delay those not critical, and move ahead.