Otherwise, you're just fishing, and the first time you fail to deliver, your reputation will take a hit, and that will follow you throughout your investing career.No agent who knows anything is going to "hold" a property for you.

his background is pretty reputable in that he manages the world's largest international bond trading company..

Look for an inspector who is reputable.

This can consist of flatwork (sidewaks and driveways, etc.) or plastic sheeting.

Certainly that can be used over and over but what really drives the extra cost is all the labor that has to go into the prep before the job (sealing off windows, doors, and vents), the additional materials required, and the labor to carefully remove all the plastic and vacuum when done, which can take quite awhile to do.

Also referrals since I have have a reputation for buying them.

There are several "turn Key" operations that are reputable and many are members here.

Five Points has a reputation of being a rough neighborhood; hopefully others will chime in as to the level of safety.

Assuming your story is correct and you have a reputable management company you rent from it sounds like it would head to their insurance company.

Also, plastic items (such as mini blinds) should be removed so the heat does not cause deformation.