Properties really don't make any money for a year or two. 

All of North Jersey can be profitable, what matters most is finding a property that makes sense for the strategy you want to implement. 

They also make those moisture meters, that I have had roofers use in my attics to attempt to trace back sources.As noted, in my market, if you have active leaks that you are aware of, they need to be disclosed when selling a property.  

Makes a lot of sense, especially about rent increasing.

Currently I own a property in Sacramento with enough backyard lot that has Alley access and my current Mortgage is at a 2.5% rate and don't want to touch or affect it.I am in the process of considering a lot split with a plan to build a new doublex unit in the split lot with hard money or a construction loan. 

Other than a website at $150 a title search pop, what can I do to make sure I don't buy a tax sale where I'm shelling out money to pay for unforeseen lien?

Make sure it explicitly explains the process for termination if you are unhappy with their services, especially if they violate the terms of your agreement.3.

It does come down to your goals, your time to allocate, your business sense, your ability to bring or raise capital, and what you are trying to accomplish.I am personally not a fan of short term rentals, as it appears regulations in many cities keep making it harder.

What information should I provide so a possible investor can make a quick decision on whether it would fit in their guardrails?

I am originally from UK and after 6 years I now qualify for funding and I am wanting to house hack a multi family (seems like a cheat code as it isn't an option on a residential mortgage in the UK) but the issue i am finding is the low inventory in my area (6 listings within 20 mile radius of Danville VA) and nothing that i think i can make cashflow well / or seems like it would rent to a decent caliber of tenant.