-Talking to neighbors to keep an eye out (This is assuming they are trustworthy)Anyone else have tips or brands they recommend?

Would this help a prospect in your eyes or would this draw red flags for you as a landlord/property manager?  

Hard money is great when starting out, IF you are going to flip, but not for buy and hold.Not only you can leverage the cash you do have, you also have a 2nd set eyes checking the deal.

Further, the newly minted and licensed real estate salesperson must operate under the watchful eye of a more experienced and knowledgeable broker, further insuring the agency relationship.

I remember coming from one of my apt buildings once in Columbus Ohio had like 5k or so in pocket and I was walking back to my car and saw a group of dudes not that far away eyeing my up like I was fresh meat.

Education comes with a price .I once had a residential customer tell me " If you give me a good price you will get every house on the street" I looked him straight in the eye and said If I get EVERY house on this street because of you I will do your job for Free .............LAST .

This is something I would have to pay year after year and would have probably torpedeod the deal in my eyes (this was a short sale and I going back to the bank for a big reduction for this would have been difficult at best)Looking at the property, the map made no sense to me, since my neighbors property behind me was about 5 feet lower than this property.

I always talk to the neighbors regarding what I'm doing, so they might keep an eye on the property as most appreciate the upgrade.

It is not that he is my friend, he is a business associate, but I am not someone who just jumped off the porch, I stated he was a respected investor because thats what he is, not because I have stars in my eyes and believe anything anyone says.

Just keep an eye on the dates of the sale, and make sure you are using actual sales numbers, as apposed to zestimates.I found I was pretty accurate this way prior to getting MLS access.