If it's an apartment building, I start at the parking lot and work my way through common areas and into the apartment to ensure I capture any damages in common areas.4.

Appraisal contingencies are an excellent way to ensure that you are getting a fair deal on your purchase.

First, I would write a memo explaining the work to be done, ensuring the contractor has access (days/times), etc.

Off market deals found by driving for dollars, networking, mailing campaigns, etc.Buying through a wholeseller.Foreclosures that can't get a certificate of occupancy for one reason or another, and there are some pretty dumb/minor reasons as well as major ones.The caveats to the list above are that you will need to do more of your own due dilligence to ensure the deal is a good one ... this includes:Doing your own comparative market analysis to make sure the price is a good deal, since there will not likely be an appraisal done in escrow.Have a title company do a preliminary title search before making an offer to spot any liens or title issues ahead of time, since title insurance may not be obtained in escrow.Have a general contractor walk the property with you (if possible) to validate scope and cost of repair work, since an inspection may not be done in escrow.Then, once you purchase, rehab, and rent the place, you can cash out refinance to pull money to put into your next deal if you like (called the BRRRR strategy around these parts) ... x10 of these for you, and x10 for your spouse = up to 20, 30 year fixed mortgages through fannie/freddie ... then you can go to local banks to get portfolio loans for more if you like ... or not and stay free and clear and the houses should print cash flow for you like little ATM machines ...

@Nathan G.Do all utility players.  

Then you can go about learning that particular area(s) to ensure you do it right.

If you read the back of the application it mentions that addition documentation may be requested per federal laws to ensure that you aren't involved in money laundering or funding terrorist activities.

Also make sure to check and ensure that the tenant has filed an affidavit with the water company and placed the water in THEIR name.

I also have another business that I run that treats me well and in which I have become one of the top players in the country.

I am looking for the best cities/locations around the DFW area to buy an investment property around the $300k-350k that meet the following factors1) Better property appreciation (historical and forward looking)2) Better rent appreciation (historical and forward looking)3) Price to rent ratio of homes in the area3) Rental vacancy rates in the area4) Any companies moving to the area to ensure that the employment rate is steady or growsPlease share if there are other factors to consider.