Early focus should be clean ops and risk control: strong lease, proper disclosures, solid insurance plus an umbrella, and fixing safety issues fast.

None of this shows up on a city checklist.Set it and forget it calendar rule: Once a year, I load ALL recurring compliance dates (local rental registration renewal, Fire safety notices, Lead / window guard, annual inspection deadlines).

Your safety net is asset-first DD: pull O&E, confirm lien position, inspect the collateral, and model exits before you wire.

Guidelines to follow:Only buy in low-cost markets if your costs stay under 75% even after paying for two major capital improvements, such as a new roof and a new water service line.Make sure you can eliminate all obvious safety and health hazards—like broken sidewalks, missing railings, lead paint, or poor lighting.

Ideally Health & Safety or Rents & Profits in CA, TX, AZ, NV.Thanks in advance!

Before you swing a hammer, confirm clean title, redeemed taxes, code liens, and permit history; get utilities on and do a full safety check: roof, foundation, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and sewer.

Live where you love, invest where the math works: pick a cash‑flow market out of state, build your team, and run a hybrid BRRRR that prioritizes safety and rent bumps over luxury rehab.

What is important to you: safety over high returns, or highest return possible? 

Set clear lanes now: respond fast to life‑safety and habitability issues, batch non‑urgent cosmetic items, and push back on tenant‑caused or convenience requests.

For safety, perform immediate courtesy check-ins with neighbors and your PM, and enforce your lease criteria if the tenant falsified info.