Transactions outside my local area

[Nick Scalero]

Hi all,

I live in the SF Bay area and want to get into properties out of the area (possibly Ventura or San Diego or Chapel Hill, NC for that matter). How can I evaluate the rental market in those areas so that I can perform reasonable ROI and Cash Flow estimations? I've looked in the papers and have gotten some numbers. I have no idea if those places are renting or how long they've been on the market. I've tried calling property management firms but don't get callbacks.

How do others do it? Any info will be greatly appreciated.

Nick