Ok, I get why it makes sense for an investor to invest outside of California, for instance I could see myself investing in nearby LV or Phoenix (5 and 6 hours away respectively) where the markets have been shattered.

I agree with many of the above and here are a few more:Realtor.com I like the "nearby homes for sale" feature and also drawing a circle on the map to find properties or comps.Loopnet for commercial also has a properties near me feature.The Amortizer.CompoundeeCraigsPro for Craigslist.

Are there larger trees nearby?

ARV is the value of rehabbed comps that have recently sold nearby.

drivers who see your sign sure will.A side benefit, if you have other properties nearby you can put a sign up to generate additional leads for those properties with less traffic.

Lookup who owns houses nearby.

I had some difficulties with the transaction, specifically the protocol for paying the assignment fee, as indicated on a nearby thread about wholesalers.

I live nearby.

Are there other 3 bed 1 bath properties nearby?

and from a different perspective...is there a spot on the wall nearby where you could install a heavy-duty grab bar?