I don't see this as a guaranteed red flag, as in if you claim it for this year it could trigger an audit about why you didn't last year.

"Old bushes make a house look old"  I might even pain t the front door, I've done solid red or solid black, and have seen others do green, blue or other pastels.

Hi @Argin Simonian, and thanks @Russell Brazil.The brokering versus direct lending debate is a bit of a red herring.

That bolded phase is quite curious!

Again if they say no that is another red flag. 

I believe Universal Insurance does it - the one with the red elephant in the logo. 

Actually I think you hit a great test on what the sellers intentions are - setting up the occupancy terms to protect yourself and if seller balks - definitely a huge red flag.

Lack of maintenance was a bit of a pain toward the end, but it was also great to have dirt-cheap rent and lots of freedom (wanna paint the walls red?

That makes sense although given that I am new I couldn't be as hands off as you describe (yet it is good to keep in mind for down the line).Now, I would want to see multiple properties in multiple areas of town to get familiar with them, the costs for the area and possibly pay for a contractor's time so he/she can show me what to look out for and what the costs could be.This would be needed for at least some time before I would be comfortable enough to pull the trigger on something.I just red J.

I will provide commentary in bold to reflect my current sentiments or actual situation as it applies.Mission StatementIn an effort to get out of the rat race and become a B/I instead of an employee, I have decided to invest in real estate.