Most importantly you need to convey confidence and assurance you are a player and not just wasting their time.

All the floors that you've shown us here are solid American white or red oak tongue-and-groove, 3/4 in. thick, 2 1/4 in. strip flooring.

In general, what are some red flags or specific things to consider? 

If their rent is $1000 a month and it is showing that they paid $900 then there is your red flag to see if the tenant did not pay in full or if there may be some sort of manipulation.

And what are some common red flags

If you're a big spec player / developer gobbling stuff up it's so much easier and cheaper to just board them up while you wait long enough to be able to buy enough of the land around it then begin your big project.

But I’m conflicted on where to start in terms of building a strong foundation in my portfolio while still having enough velocity behind my money to grow.Should I start with a SF rental and hold for the 1031 deferred (4 greens and a red type strategy) or go after Tax / lien sales to flip/sell in the short term until I can afford a multi family property.

I am actually in your situation as i have invested in Kansas while stationed overseas. best way in my opinion is to find key players that can help you while help themselves in real estate deals. find people looking for a win-win situation.- Jimmy

Those numbers and the fact that the fed int rate was cut yesterday means that we will continue to have a red hot scorching 2019... 

It was a red flag for me to be sure and my father and I felt a bit offended by the accusations.