Also ask tenants if there are any recurring issues.Typically when completing the due diligence, you'll have a chance to see the current Sch E, which will list utilities if the owner is paying anything. 

If you’re looking to do just one or two LO deals, then you can probably strategically place some notification in appropriate places and get so,e response.  

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

As @Nicholas L. alluded to, even for the property on E 18th Ave at $160k is probably going to require more than $30k in cash to buy (not counting any potential rehab costs), unless on the off chance there could be seller financing.

@Nhi Ly   If you are looking for student rentals, something to keep in mind is that you want to be North of E 11th and west of North Fourth st, and south of E Blake to appeal to the student housing crowd

Quote from @Robert E.

In real estate, e-commerce, whatever.. there is, regardless of the age, always going to be snakeoil sales men and Tupperware salesman, or now the modern e-course motivational salesman like Wes Watson or Andrew Tate.Ultimately, the economy and the ways people create value have changed dramatically over the decades.

P/E ratios are not obtainable.  

You can easily tag each transaction using categories that synch to your Schedule E for tax time.

And I suspect their E and O will kick in if this money is lost  just sayin..