How important is it for a first property to be easy for me to get to?

[Matt Wan]

I'm thinking of buying US real estate as an overseas investor. How important is it for me to be able to easily visit my target market? I can get a direct flight to major metropolitan areas, but it would be much more difficult to get to Topeka or North Dakota, for example.

I feel that I'd like to see the market at least once, to get a feel for the area and to meet the local team. The cost of that trip would effectively be included in my purchase price. Once the initial setup is finished, how often do you visit? Do you ever have to take a last-minute trip?