Always get title insurance. I believe it's required if you are getting a loan.

I haven't been but I should. Although when I ask other insurance agents and let them know the insurance company I'm using, they usually tell me they won't be able to beat the rate.

There are so many things to look for. First would be to look at the area they live in and see if investing locally will work. If it doesn't, expand the area to someplace that you can drive to. You want to check for crime, condition of houses in the area, housing laws in the area, availability of contractors, availability of stores to buy materials from, price of labor in that market, prices of homes within your budget, rent prices, taxes, and insurance costs.

Drive the neighborhood at different times during the day and night on weekdays and weekends. Check the local crime map to see what that looks like. You should always do your own due diligence. Never rely on someone else to do your work for you. That's how you get in trouble. Of course, if you are investing out of state, it makes it harder. But you should travel to the place you are investing in and check out the area and the property before making a purchase.