Just because they mowed the lawn and bought mulch to spread around the shade tree out front doesn't mean the poison ivy isn't growing like crazy around back.9.

And for obvious reasons most lender's don't allow you to select your own appraiser... 

:-) one of the 22 criterias in selecting a market

Here are some recommendations for you:Find and connect with other BP members that are in your area: http://www.biggerpockets.com/meetSet up keyword alerts to be notified of the topics that interest you: http://www.biggerpockets.com/alertsRead Beginner’s Guide: http://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investingIf you wish to tag someone in the conversation on the forum, type @ followed by their name and then select the name of that person which should appear below the comments box.

. - Useful to get some high level info about crime rates, schools ... all the basics when selecting an area.

Once you start to engage with your selected market, you'll start to pull in professionals like realtors and property managers.

How did you select Detroit and Reno to start?

Then select 'Profile' from the dropdown.

Well, out of state owned rentals are the dirtiest rentals but the photos look fine so owners don’t know why their properties are not selected by prospective tenants.

For instance, you I won't find a selection to replace a toilet, when I'm in the living room.