The borrower and the security (the asset and docs associated with it).As a lender, you want to ensure the borrower has a performance history, can show skin in the game (some of their own capital placed into the investment), and has experience in performing on the particular investment.For the asset, you need to make sure your a LTV (loan to value) does not exceed a set amount you choose to give you “cushion” in the event the deal goes sideways and you need to take the property back.Your loan docs are also important and should include all the things you need to protect your investment such as a deed of trust (or mortgage in mortgage states), promissory note, balloon rider if the loan is not a fully amortized loan, personal guarantee rider (which is only worth something if the borrower has personal assets to go after), etc.For the asset itself, you need to know the strategy (buy and hold or fix and flip) verify the condition and amount of repairs, know the current market value and future market value after repairs, and have a plan in the event you need to take the asset to recoup your investment.

Financial advisors (the fiduciary, holistic ones at least, work well on advising across asset classes and longer term financial planning.If you're clear on your investment game plan, a solid CPA, like other commentors have mentioned, works well.

If you are playing the long game, BRRRR can be a great cash flowing vehicle.

They want someone to have "skin in the game" in order to give them the money to buy a property that they are not planning to live in. 

Hey guys, new to the game here! 

Real estate is usually a slow game that takes time.

:-)My very first response to that would be to buy Rich Dad's Cashflow Board game. https://www.richdad.com/products/cashflow-the-board-gamePlay it with friends until you figure out the best way to get into investment and out of the rat race.

Timing the market is a fool's game -- whether it's stocks, commodities, or real estate. 

The piping in this house looks like it was mapped off of that old Python game from Windows 95.

Because these types of  deals vary so much by location, neighborhood, and specific property as well as situation it will all basically be one big guessing game unless you were able to provide a very clear picture.