There is no substitute for "walking the area" to get a sense of a location.  

Only by seeing everything can you establish a baseline.Discuss the market with brokers and managers.And there’s no substitute for packing a suitcase and visiting the market yourself.

For instance, if I see that a substitute trustee has been appointed, I would like their contact info so I can call and try to purchase before the foreclosure is complete and the property is bank owned.  

If it hasnt recently sold I assume that its the person who may be in foreclosure and I check the county records to see if the foreclosure process has started (here the first step is an appointment of substitute trustee) If I find that the house is indeed in preforeclosure I skiptrace and call the homeowner.

What are the docs called, when and why are they typically recorded.Also lookout for "Substitution of Attorney" doc/form.

Learning is no substitute for action.Great luck on the FI journey!  

There's no substitute for somebody on the ground who can see what's going on on a daily basis.

It is not a substitute for professional advice; before making decisions based on the Content, you should consult knowledgeable professionals about your specific circumstances.

And I like how you substituted "Retirement planning" too.

even if it's a couple hours away, there is just no substitute for being hands-on / in person.