Using open houses for research

[Mark Lira]

Hey all. I travel for work, and though this would be a good opportunity to check out local markets  across the country to determine where I want to begin investing. My plan is to go to local open houses in order to learn a little more about the community, and the houses in it, as well as get experience walking through, and learning what to look for in a house. My questions are, is this a valid reason to go to and open house, when I have no intention of making a deal. Also is this an effective way to learn about real estate in general and local markets specifically?