One thing you can check is crime stats in an area.

As far as Lance Kawaoka's claim that the reason there wasn't much response to a post about checking on the quality of a large, well-known, super-markety sponsor is that members wouldn't want to declare that they are a high net worth individual just doesn't hold water.

Here are a few suggestions on how you can maximize the wealth of information available: Check out the blogs and podcasts, or take advantage of the search feature (magnifying glass).

At last check, the California Fair Plan has nearly $500B in insured property and $700M in reserves.

Check local Facebook groups and connect with local investors who use PM.3.

Windows would be my next check-point (less than R1) and then wall insulation: I would not be surprised if they have no insulation inside, but you can do blow-in, which only requires a small hole.A home looses heat in two ways: heat conduction (which you can slow down with insulation) and drafts, which in old houses is usually the biggest culprit.

Yeah make sure to thoroughly conduct background checks on private institutions you lend from.

Having watched many prior co-workers get paid, cash their check at the casino, and promptly deposit it all into a slot machine I can tell you with pretty good certainty that casinos don't have a positive effect on disposable income and good use of the existing income in the area surrounding :)Are there solid local employers OTHER than the casino in a 15-minute drive? 

I can check the Register of Deeds site, type up a deed, and purchase a house in 2 hours.

You can also check meetup.com or search Facebook for real estate investment groups, clubs, or meetings in your area.