@Erika Peketi follow your state and local landlord tenant laws for timing of notices for lease violations.

They know how to handle negotiations and can tell you about the local housing market.

Historical data, new developmental attractions, business relocation, local policy, etc.

Take a look at BP's blog where new articles are published every day: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog4.Check out the BP Podcasts: https://www.biggerpockets.com/podcast5.If you want to network or ask specific questions about your local market, go to your local real estate forum and connect with investors from your area: https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/86-local-real-estate-networking6.

Do you do it yourself or you have a local manager?

Know good agents,  property managers. contractor that can walk the property.Etc.I’ll be investing locally in the Phoenix Arizona area. 

Your local REIA is always the best place to start, in my opinion.

In your particular case, I would consult with a local eviction attorney to get their take on the local laws and regulations.Nonetheless if a tenant tried to pull this on me, I probably wouldn't want them as a long term tenant in the future.

James - I am local to Ventura County and have helped multiple folks with VA Loan assumptions.I search the MLS for listings with FHA or VA loans.

Make sure the title company is familiar with all the local and state laws and regulations.