Ask their references lots of questions-if they are happy with their property manager, the references will be glad to sing their praises.2) Ask pointed questions-how do you handle a difficult tenant in [insert specific situations that maybe you have concerns with-like non-payment of rent, disruption of peace, etc.).3) See what sort of property management software they use.4) Look at their management contract right away, give yourself time to comb through it-even bring it to your attorney, if that makes you more comfortable.5) Ask what type of properties they manage.

If you folks sort out an actual meeting, details will need to be posted in the Real Estate Events and Happenings forum.

Do a search and you will find all sorts of great info!

What professional(s) are best to advise a small time investor on these sorts of decisions? 

Is there like sort of a pattern or so?

There is only one photo from the street outside of the house and tenants are in the house so I am guessing that the unbelievably low price is due to some sort of issue about the tenants. 

I teach tennis on the side as a "cushion" of sorts.

That does not mean we get to call our mortgage companies and inform them of said expense and say we'll be paying late without there likely being some sort of repercussion.

He knows the neighborhoods intimately, he has bought very very smart and cheaply, and he has built good personal relationships with all sorts of people here.

Normally past evictions are a no go for me but this sounds like a different sort of circumstances.I would probably call the landlord again and try to find out more details like how bad the mold actually was and any other information about the circumstances.