What makes you trust a prop firm before buying a challenge?

With so many prop firms competing for traders now, I'm curious what people here actually look at before paying for an evaluation.

For me, the headline challenge price isn't enough. I'd want to understand:

• How the drawdown is calculated
• Payout history and conditions
• News and overnight trading rules
• Consistency requirements
• Profit split
• Any restrictions that aren't obvious from the advertised challenge

What is the first thing you investigate before choosing a firm?

And have you ever rejected a prop firm after finding something in the rules that you didn't like?

Not financial advice. Everyone should do their own research before making any financial decision.