Stress-test the numbers — Verify income, expenses, rent rolls, and NNN recoveries against actual leases, not seller projections

Know exactly who's paying rent (and who isn't) — Pull aged receivables, estoppel certificates, and creditworthiness on every tenant before you're locked in

Inspect what the seller hopes you miss — Phase I environmental, roof condition, HVAC, ADA compliance, and deferred maintenance all hit your bottom line on day one

Clear the title before you close — Liens, easements, CC&Rs, and zoning issues can kill a deal or haunt you for years; find them first

Lock in your financing terms — Confirm DSCR, loan covenants, prepayment penalties, and insurance requirements so there are no surprises at the closing table

Know your market, not just your property — Comp sales, submarket vacancy, competing pipeline, and demographic trends tell you whether you're buying value or chasing a fading story

Own day one — Utility transfers, tenant notifications, vendor contacts, and security deposit assignments ensure a clean handoff from the moment the deed is yours