I mostly spent the time learning the ropes of being a landlord, studying about financing, doing improvements to the property, and learning how to analyze a little better post-pulling the trigger.

Only parties in the chain of title can create an event that will trigger a lien.

If you plan on putting your property in it, it will likely trigger the "due on sale clause" if it is a conventional mortgage.

I had a decent deal recently and couldn't sell it because I had an 8 person cash buyer list of unmotivated, new investors that wouldn't pull the trigger.

Obviously I haven't done a walk through or inspection of the property yet, but is there anything else I'm missing that could be a red flag to look for before I pull the trigger?

Real estate has always intrigued me but I didn't really get pulled in enough to want to pull the trigger until I listened to a couple podcasts from Grant Cardone and read Rich Dad, Poor Dad. 

We got to know the neighborhood and months later we pulled the trigger on a property that ended up being very successful for us.  

first off congrats for pulling the trigger at a young age and qualifying for  home.just because a builder was sued or on the news does not make them the devil.but regardless most of the sub prime melt down was this exact attitude.. what does it cost me today ??

Just have to wait until the banks actually pulls the trigger, can't sell at auction, and have to sell REO.  

The trigger for lien releases to take affect is when the check is negotiated.