Calculating Repair Cost for Out of State Investments (newbie)

[Kenyatta Donley]

I was wondering for those investing in areas out of their home state what are some strategies you are using to get repair estimates. Are you building relationships with local contractors and getting them to inspect the property in your absence? Are you relying on your own experience prior to bringing in local contractors? I am a complete newbie...so just curious how that process works. So for example I m based in PA but receive a lot of leads from Baltimore.