As we go through the purchase process, what things should we look out for or are red flags to be aware of?

I remember the Milwaukee deep freeze when we would go back to visit my grandparents in the winter months..

Do you know if there is a lot of red tape which makes it difficult or is it fairly easy if you meet requirements and lender knows what to do? 

Atleast 1 of 2 things would set off red flags1.

Given my strengths are in the analytical and administrative areas, long distance might be a good fit for me but would like to dive deep with people who are actually doing it. 

Even red states with blue governors can be problematic.  

In retrospect, some yellow flags found by the property manager during the tenant screening are now bright red flashing sirens, but the tenant showed decent credit, had a positive previous landlord reference, wrote a charming cover letter in his application, and applied through the referral of a reputable real estate agent.

This is a huge red flag. 

If a buyer is coming down with a high-down payment and quickly making a large deposit into escrow fighting tooth and nail about proof of funds may be a red herring.Credibility is also a factor here.

That seems weird to me and would raise red flags for auditors and I want to persue this in the best knowledgeable way possible.