I can answer general questions about Plano - although I am more familiar with specifics just South of Plano in Far North Dallas.The market is red hot in Plano.  18 months ago, you could get fixer-uppers for in the high 100's.  

.: Not NJ/NY, but if you are not opposed to Red Sox fans, then Frank Bridges in MA http://www.heritagedesignlaw.com. 

I love in NYC but come up to Red Hook just about every weekend or every other weekend.

This is always a huge, huge red flag.Banks will loan money on people with some pretty bad credit as long as they put something down...

I will post at locations where people seat and wait for service; barber shops, ATM machines, red light, etc.

You can make the rest of the house sparkle, but it will not be enough to achieve the appeal you would like.

I have buddies who wait 6 months to a year to get all of the red tape cut before a shovel hits the dirt. 

My biggest concern is replacing the boiler which I will assume I will have to do at some point (or a major overhaul).There are a number of concerns that are obvious like owner paid utilities, window AC units, but are there any other major red flags in high rise buildings that I should be aware of? 

I purchased a large RegisterSigns For Rent Text for Info sign from Lowe's (it's blue and black, instead of red and white), but you can also print a free sign from their site, or add the info to a regular sign.

I always vet all professionals using the Department of Business and Professional Regulations to check licenses, complaints filed, pending judgements, etc. in my opinion, if an individual is not willing to provide you certain information and/ or displays a combative attitude, that would raise a red flag, for me.