Buying or renting?
Talk to someone who lives there first.
Learn things only residents know
What can a resident tell you that no one else can?
A property listing will tell you about square footage and amenities. A broker will tell you what you want to hear. But a resident knows — which floor gets flooded in July, whether the water runs out in May, if the security lets food delivery in after midnight, how loud it gets on weekends, what the neighbours are actually like. The things that determine whether you'll be happy living there.
Why a tenant? Not an owner, not a broker.
When you are buying or renting, your counterparty is always an owner. He has a conflict of interest. Brokers earn commission on every deal. Tenants aren't concerned whether you do the deal or don't — therefore, they are the most likely to be honest.