Out of State First Time Investor

[Zack Busch]

Hello, I am just getting started and have located Memphis as a good cash flowing market. I am currently working with a realtor who is sending me properties in my target zip codes. However, I am an out of state investor and have never been to Memphis and know that the city can be very street to street with good and bad areas. My question is, how much trust should I put into my realtor. I can do my research as an area overall but without visiting it would be hard to tell if a specific area is good or not. My realtor seems very knowledgeable and has investment properties throughout. Would it be good to interview some property managers and get their opinions on certain areas to confirm good and bad spots?

[Greg Scott]

There are tools for this.   

• City-data.com
• zillow sales prices
• google street view
• Great schools
• various crime stat aggregators

If you are going to buy a lot there, I highly recommend an in-person trip.