Good points overall, but I'd caution against leaning too heavily on county assessor data. Sure, it's official, but I've seen plenty of cases where their records were outdated or flat-out wrong—especially after recent renovations or additions. Appraisers usually catch these discrepancies anyway, so it's not always a deal-breaker. Bottom line: cross-check everything, but don't assume assessor sites are bulletproof either...
Fair enough, but honestly, I've found assessor data pretty useful as a quick gut-check. Sure, it's not perfect—had a duplex once listed as a single-family for years—but it often gives you a decent starting point. Appraisers do catch stuff eventually, but waiting until appraisal can sometimes put you behind schedule. I usually cross-reference with recent MLS listings or even Google Street View to spot obvious discrepancies early on. Saves some headaches later...
Good point about the assessor data being a quick gut-check. I usually take a similar approach—MLS listings are definitely my go-to, but I've also found local Facebook groups surprisingly helpful. People love pointing out when something's mislabeled or off (sometimes a little too enthusiastically, lol). Appraisals can be stressful enough without last-minute surprises, so any way to catch stuff early is a win in my book. Plus, Google Street View has saved my sanity more than once...amazing how much you can spot from your couch these days.
Totally agree with your take on Google Street View—it's honestly a lifesaver. Can't tell you how many times I've spotted deal-breakers right from my laptop, like sketchy surroundings or a busy intersection right next to the property. Definitely beats driving out there just to find out it's a no-go.
Your point about Facebook groups is interesting too. I admit I've been hesitant to rely on social media chatter because sometimes people can exaggerate or get overly dramatic. But then again, those groups can be goldmines for spotting red flags early. Maybe I should give them another shot... cautiously, of course.
One thing I'd add to your list is county permit records. They're usually free online, and I've caught some sneaky stuff that way—like unpermitted additions or zoning issues. It might sound tedious, but it only takes a few minutes to check and can save you from a headache down the line. Plus, if you're going for a DSCR loan, lenders can be picky about compliance issues, so it's better to know upfront.
I've also found it helpful to create a quick checklist before diving deep into any property. Just something simple—MLS data, assessor info, Google Street View, permits, and maybe now Facebook groups too. Having a structured approach really helps me stay calm and avoid getting overwhelmed by the whole appraisal process.
Anyway, appreciate you sharing your approach—it's reassuring to know I'm not the only one double-checking everything obsessively before making any moves.
Your structured checklist approach is spot-on, especially when dealing with DSCR loans. I've seen clients save themselves from major headaches by catching zoning issues early through county records—tedious but totally worth it. And yeah, social media groups can be hit or miss, but sometimes those dramatic posts do have a kernel of truth. You're definitely not alone in double-checking everything; better safe than sorry when you're investing serious money.