My lease has been a huge key to my success managing our houses all over the country.https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/10/1...and whatever else you professionals REI want to add.i am excited to hear your stories.

Unless it is the deal of the century I never take occupied properties...never...that said you probably have to go through the eviction process...I have never had luck with cash for keys but you could also try that...if they seem reasonable they might want to continue to pay rent but most likely they have been squatting and will tear the place apart so I circle back to I never bid on occupied property...

I am overseas right now in England and investing...it can happen but educating yourself is key.  

Set up some key word alerts and stay active on the site!

One last thing... to all the fellow investors as well as real estate agents out here...What are some of the key questions you would ask when screening a real estate agent to make sure they are someone you would desire to work with for the long-term?  

As a real estate investor, what are the key factors that drive the rental markets?

I am interested in finding a small SFR via turn key in Indianapolis this Spring.

What are some of the key factors do as a real estate investor look for in an agent

The key issue is what is a win for them. 

For example, you set up key word alerts. http://www.biggerpockets.com/alerts