Investor friendly REA can encompass several different characteristics but they tend to have some experience with identifying investment properties by evaluating the numbers (i.e., capitalization rate, return on investment) and/or working with creative financing.  

In case of real estate a formal appraisal is required and then you provide that information to a qualified business appraiser who appraises the business based on factors such a asset values, balance sheet, profit loss and operating agreement characteristics and marketability of the entity.

I frequently offer on bank owned properties in the MLS through my agent.  

The motion sensors frequently save the schedule from heating the space when it’s not required(ie, turn off heat when no one is around) and the reporting has provided me valuable info about the needs of the tenants.

(Not picking on Quicken, that's just probably the most frequent/obvious example we see on these forums)My market might be a little unique since that whole "transfer after closing!"

Dan, the topic of using self-directed IRA to invest in real estate is a frequent discussion on this forum.

If it's an honest mistake I tend to agree with others, let that be a lesson for both you and the tenant - you to inspect the property more frequently, him to be more aware and observant as well as communicating to you on issues large and small and leave it to you to make the determination of the issue needs immediate attention.

Jay has also pointed out many characteristics of text cities (proximity to outdoor activities, etc).

Not opposed to flips but would need boots on the ground or to drive up frequently. 

I decided to do some research on neighborhoods which brought me back to forum posts on Bigger Pockets.I learned that the letter grades vary by area, can sometimes be more of an art than a science, and are easier to nail down for multifamilies.But here’s some characteristics:“A” Class properties are in newer growth areas, are in nice neighborhoods, are newer properties built within the last 15 years with the most amenities.