Buying without seeing it- has anyone done it?

[Raj Kaushal]

Im looking to buy a property for short term rental in Kissimmee area. I was planning to fly in there soon, but due to covid my plans keep getting delayed. My realtor there told me some people out of country have bought a property without seeing it and are already making profit. I dont want to lose on good deals and wait for things to be absolutely normal. So, a open question there to see if someone on this platform has really done it or someone you know has done it?

[Ujwal Velagapudi]

I've had my buyers do it, both out of country. I had built trust and rapport with one guy for over 1 year, and even then he went through his due diligence, my PM, inspectors, etc. Second guy had straight signed a purchase agreement, foregoing due diligence, within 10 hours of talking to me...turns out he was on a bind with time ticking on his 1031 date. 

If this is your first buy, I wouldn't do it. First purchases are tough as it is, and to do it sight unseen is a huge risk. Even if it is "turnkey". 

Also, don't ever, ever get tempted & wooed in by an agent. They will say anything to yield more interest and & get their listing sold. Play it smart, the world is not going to end and all the deals are not going to be gone if you don't invest in that one today. Take the time to visit, get familiar with the area, and then go forward with the purchase. 

If you have deep knowledge of the city in which you're looking, then it may be a different story, and you may not need to visit. Just really depends on your expertise and background with RE, the local market, and who you have vetting the opportunity for you locally (besides the agent).