Option period just expired with the inspection popping one major problem with the HVAC that seller is fixing.

There have been a few pundits predicting a major real estate crash in the next few years.

I've been doing some reading and analysis, but have some two major questions. 1.

It would cover things such as what happens if one of you wants to sell an investment and the other doesn't, and how major decisions are made such as whether or not to refinance.  

If you have a major aversion to talking to a specific realtor, try going to their company website. 

If I were the agent I would certainly give you a major break- or maybe not charge you, if I liked you and thought you'd hire me again.

In general, do landlords of single-family homes pre-emptively make major repairs as items get close to the end of their expected life?

While I would say that the majority of investors operate at a level where you understand how small of a world it is, and understand the damage burning bridges and relationships can be...

You can work with a reputable turn key property provider, or very knowledgeable local real estate agent who also is an investor.Note that the great majority of real estate agents do not work well with investors because they simply don't understand investors and their needs; and they are usually limited to properties on their MLS ( which often is not the source for the best deals).Having invested myself out of state since 2003 I've come to learn what to look for and can talk about this extensively.  

At those price points, all major systems should be on the front end of its lifespan and really, the AC should be new and Roof less then 5 yrs old.