I understand certain neighborhoods in America will be heavy to section 8 and its preferred as the market tenants tend to not pay .

From there, we moved to FL and I found several houses by driving around or riding my bike in the neighborhood.3.

Waterfront properties in neighborhoods like Key Biscayne, Coral Gables, Brickell, and Miami Beach offer stunning views, privacy, and access to the best amenities.

Not saying it can't be done, but unless you are self managing and local it's tough to do in decent neighborhoods. 

How clean and safe is the neighborhood?

So neighborhoods haven't improved noticeably since they were half the current price.  

I had one particular vendor with high standards that would exaggerate anything he found.My rule of thumb: people can live how they want to live as long as they are not 1. damaging the property2. living in filth that attracts pests3. impacting the neighbors (e.g. odors, junk detracting from the neighborhood, etc)4. creating an unsafe situation (e.g. hoarding and rescue workers can't access the home)When I visit a property, I document any issues and talk to the tenant.

Should I be visiting, asking neighbors questions, getting a feel for the neighborhood and home (in person rather than just off of online research) before buying or making offers? 

-We have had our condo in Oceanside for almost 2 years now and the value according to Redfin and some comps in the neighborhood have increased the value of the condo by at least $80,000 ( rough assessment ). 

At first glance it seems like decent neighborhood but any insights and experience would be super helpful?