Something as simple as the weather in your area will determine how you plan for roof repair etc.. as well as the insurance you buy.

The economy, weather patterns, everything......

And since wholesalers deal in distressed asssets and distressed titles this can happen.. its happened to me twice this year already.. we can weather it but if your a beginner this could be devastating to your finances..

Phoenix - price and weather are both crazy. 

It could be since you're in the "off-season" with no pool, you'll just need to hang in there a couple months until the weather cools down.

So, if the property is in Anchorage, the cracks probably are a result of the weather or earthquakes and I'd go with gravel which has a little give and take.

We wanted the Scandinavian look for a property with red oak, had the contractor test stains as others mentioned, and ended up going with Duraseal Weathered Oak instead of using some mix that included White. 

But my passivity is determined sometimes by things outside of my control like weather and tenants.  

They see larger monthly cashflow, sleep well at night, can weather market conditions etc...Many people like to stick their pinky up talking about how many doors they have via leverage.

If you don't have the tolerance to weather a long(er) downturn, a vacant house for an extended period, or anything that is associated with managing a physical asset than you definitely do not want to step in now.