Even without being local, you can learn a lot by how structured and transparent they are during the first few conversations. 

In our office, we have a running joke that we could work for free, but owners would still complain about material costs and such:(So, how would you keep your cost-structure low?

Ask exactly what they want in terms of asset class, areas, price range, deal structure, etc.

That gives you a "structural repair" and paint covers the fill/patches better. 4.

Question: When you were starting out or see other recent investors do, what mattered most in enabling you to grow beyond your first property - market choice, deal structure, financing relationships, or operations?

Noise issues in small multifamily buildings are usually less about volume alone and more about documentation and lease enforcement.You’ve already done the right first step by speaking with her, but once complaints continue, it has to shift from informal requests to a structured process.

Are there existing structures, topography, vegetation, water bodies, streams, irrigation ditch, etc.

I’m currently evaluating a few local property management companies, and your list of questions gives me a solid framework to compare them in a structured way.I especially appreciate the emphasis on understanding the full scope of services, communication expectations, and how they handle maintenance and tenant screening.

Always good to have more capital-side perspectives in here.One thing I’ve seen consistently as portfolios scale is that deal structure and operational clarity matter just as much as the numbers.

Lease Structure MattersStrongly recommend:Long initial term (7–10 years)Personal guarantees, especially if they’re a new practiceClear language on who owns improvements at lease endTriple-net or modified gross to avoid surprise expenses4.