I always try to maintain the philosophy that my tenants deserve privacy unless they are damaging the premises and hurting other tenants.I also have regretted whenever I've stuck my nose past that line and tried to give them advice.Domestic violence is a tricky one though because they aren't damaging the premises or (usually) disturbing other tenants.  

Have your criteria so you aren't doing what you're tempted to do, 'go with your gut'2.  

I'm looking to connect with investors and wholesalers doing business around here and am very excited by the quantity and quality of articles, podcasts, and videos on BP. 

Any possible pitfalls that aren't common sense or not figured out until in the thick of it.

But if you do not build out further than your existing porch, that should not be a problem, but you should give them a revised drawing. even a second floor addition that follows the existing structure may need to go before zoning because the set backs may have changed since the house was built and would trigger a variance. it doesn't hurt to ask them and ask what they would require, it would show them that you aren't trying to put anything past them.

I suggest driving around any town you may be interested in investing with and then reaching out to a realtor who works in those areas to learn more about the market(s).New Haven and West Haven offer a great selection of properties, are near several universities and can make investors money and can get quality tenants if your application guidelines target quality over quantity.

Now if all the signs point to it appreciating in the future I am not opposed to that but want to make sure there is a backup plan with the cash flow and a plan to get out of the deal in a few years if things aren't going as planned.

Or do the contract protect this from happening, and if so aren't the contracts only good for 30-60 days usually.

Furthermore, investors get excellent tax treatment that aren't possible in mutual funds, etc.  

There are plenty of areas (from urban to rural) that aren't going to change in the next 20 years.