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

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.

- Is it a "High Flag" franchise?

Usually red flags stick out clearly on their profiles.

I just want to make sure that there aren't any red flags that I'm missing, and that I have a decent sense of the mechanics of the process.Also, I'd like to learn more in general so if anyone has recommendations for other investors, or professionals/attorneys who would be willing to talk for a reasonable fee, with experience in the following areas I'd very much like to connect:- DC foreclosure law, and the treatment of personal possessions remaining in a foreclosed home- DC landlord tenant law and the eviction process- Title searches and other due diligence measures (specific to DC) - Ideally I'd like to sit down with someone who does this for a living and walk through title search and other checks that one would do prior to buying a foreclosure.Thanks in advance and look forward to any thoughts or insights!

If the borrower files for bankruptcy and gets rid of the debt that way, it would check box 1(a).Checking Box 1(b) is an audit flag, but not everybody gets audited.