And, while you are taking risk by investing in anything, if you are buying single family homes, you should be touring them and managing your properties or your property manager, you should check in on them, watch the financial statements, etc.  

I am happy to hop on a call and tell you about Modesto and have you down here for a tour of the market. 

I've been searching for and working towards purchasing my first investment property for years and years, every time I found one that fit, other local investors with more experience, more readily available funds or alternative financing, and more connections were already writing offers while I was touring the property.

Broker relations, tours, visits to the team. 

I will be meeting a couple of the guys on an upcoming trip to Belize on a Cacao Farm Tour (BCC). 

Rather than asking non potential customers in here you can get a better result from potential customers, As well as tour of the competition.While you are there, maybe take some pics, and make a written record of rental rates and what features they have for that price.In a nutshell, become an expert on this specific investment in your local area and neighborhood, in order to try to reduce the risk of just guessing.Good Luck! 

We've toured several properties and I'm always plugging in numbers to analyze (primarily 1-4 family) potential investments.

I was told that homeless/squatters got access into the building somehow and they were seen by an agent who was touring property for their buyer.

I have relatives in Houston, TX and did toured a few houses there last year. 

-Do virtual tours and video inspections to stay updated on your property.