Make sure that a property manager is willing to manage it before you buy (even if managing it yourself - a property manager's endorsement will validate that you are in a decent area).

If you don't know common pitfalls with the construction of properties when you do an initial walkthrough you may be skeptical of certain attributes of a property.

It's those maniacs that buy homes cash via quit claim deed off of craigslist that really get screwed.Make sure your property manager is a licensed real estate brokerage.Understand you can not eliminate all risk, only mitigate it.

Normal business hours are usually a safe bet, so if you present the tenant with a written (I would also send an email if possible, never rely on one form of communication) date and time block that you will be entering to show the property there is little they can do to dispute your actions.Always remember that they can always take to civil court and being a landlord/property manager is one of the most litigious careers in the country, so make sure to document the process each step of the way to best protect yourself and your assets.

Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity.

This is why having a great Property Manager is worth every penny, because its not your problem. 

“My manager is out of town!”

You can still sub out management, but you will be managing the manager!! I

I'd like to take a part time job as a  onsite property manager.  I

I currently work for a Multifamily Real Estate Developer in the Seattle area on their construction side as a Project Manager. I