I came across an article on Bankrate.com that every residential real estate landlord or investor should read titled “Smart Landlords Do Serious Due Diligence.”  The article suggests  residential landlords should always take these 6 steps before leasing or renting residential real estate:

Check References
Buy Enough Insurance
Just say “No” to Form Leases
Heed Environmental Matters
Consider Hiring a Property [...]

The Landlord’s agent LOVES it when you contact them directly about leasing office space. If you aren’t represented by a tenant’s agent (a commercial real estate agent that works for you, the lessee), not only will the landlord’s agent reap in double commission, they will get you to agree to unfavorable terms.
Thus, if you [...]

In commercial leases, Texas courts have held that a ‘warranty of suitability’ applies to all commercial real estate leases. This means that any latent defects in the building and land are the responsibility of the landlord, even if the tenant is contractually obligated to repair the premises. The theory is that the commercial [...]