Upon doing some digging of the town I found lakeport is a tourist destination with the lake, resorts and casinos projected flat economic growth over the coming years, a population that has decreased a hair but remained relatively flat, the crime rate index is well over national average and has increased over the past 10 years even with increased spending for public safety.

Everywhere I look, there is a fee for ALL supposedly free public records.

I use public information, and the free sites.

Don't believe the reference of their present landlord, always inspect where they live (just by without an appointment) and get references, relatives and friends, make sure that their drivers lic corresponds with the address on their application, check public record to see if the owner of the property is really their landlord.You are better off with a vacancy that a bad tenant!

@Darlene Case I don’t really want to post it publicly but you can message me if you want.No amount of screening of a PM or tenant will prevent all issues.

Go to your local public community college and sign up for  classes.

What info does realtors have that the public do not, other than closing prices?

Cashflow is my number one goal but to gauge appreciation potential/rent growth I look at:Location (market) - Census trends, average price to rent ratios, employment rates, landlord/tenant laws, tax rates (1% in CO is very different from 4.3% in upstate NY)Location (submarket) - Schools, crime, walkability, "path of progress" trends, distance to downtown/jobs, public transportation, commercial development

I looked up the deceased in public records to see if the personal representative's name would be listed as a relative, but their name did not show up in the list of relatives.

When you are dealing with the public you have to protect yourself from potential liability which can be significant.