It is worth the money to ensure you have a better perception of home you are buying.  

But the feeling I got when this first sign went up has changed my perception of where I am at in Real Estate Investing. 

Has it always been like this or is my perception right?

There's lots of misinformation/incorrect perceptions in the comments above.The crowdfunding platforms are essentially syndications that are done online.

Like they say, there is no reality, only perception.

Online resources are great, but they can only tell me so much - local perception, as you mentioned, Cliff, is worth far more IMO.  

Not saying normal people can't win big with that game too its just most good investors I know that play that game either only buy when they have a perception most others do not or when the time is really good like a few years ago. 

I suggest you book some vacation time.E mails simply get ignored and your PM will manage as he sees fit based on his likely perception that being out of the country there is little you can do except fire him (which only leaves you in the lurch).

@Brian Watkins I tend to think some of the Atlanta zip codes you mention have more of a perception of crime then actually high crime rates. e.g.

In that market, my perception/experience is that, while rental increases are slowing down, there is still red hot demand at the right price point.