Then low-cost computers and the Internet changed everything.

It is usually better to do that face-to-face rather than over the Internet. 

Anything you find for sale on the internet like Facebook, Craig’s list, etc is likely going to be garbage.

@Paul Wakim, thank you for the detailed explanation of what you managed to do with your own culled lists using a programmer's services.

I would caution you on the two big companies I have funded a few folks that bought through them and they have all been poor properties for too much money..I can't think of a risker thing to do than out of state flipping for the smaller investor. you need to have someone on the ground that you know VERY well and trust.. and you are going to have a hard time finding that person on the internet or reading a book on how to do it.. theories are great .. reality is way different..

Internet AvailabilityHigh speed internet is available throughout most of Germany and Europe in General.

I understand the market is pretty competitive around here but we are optimistic we can find a niche and make this successful.I had my RE license years ago (before the internet!)

That should help the price of your dirt increase over time.For tenants, I like to look for things like services, restaurants or entertainment that are more 'internet resistant'.

An internet-connected device would be ideal, so I could monitor remotely. 

BUT, through the ever-expanding magic of the internet, you can still assess the honesty of a provider (to some degree) by using Google Earth to virtually walk the streets of the neighborhoods you'd be investing in.