Can you estimate a properties value without looking at it?

[Ken Hicks]

I have located a few bank own properties that the bank is willing sell direct to investors. The problem is that the properties are about 3 hours away. does anyone have any techniques on how to give a wholesale price on a property that you have never seen or that you have never seen a picture of it. I"m located in PA. I know i could call the court house and go through all that jungle and get an idea of the area. I was wondering if there is a simplier way. I know there are a few Comp site out there that don't charge much but they are not that good in my experience but good enough to get ballpark prices. Then what do you do about getting a repair list. well any thoughts let me know.