I let my realtor do most of the work, I ask for Comparative Market Analysis (CMA), I look at the potential invest bet via google earth to see what's in the area, I use zillow to find schools, and I use indeed.com to find out the types of occupations in the area.

David and his buddies at Hard Equity Financing took my money and 3 weeks later told me the value wasn't there.Keep in mind, this was after they fell of the face of the earth for three weeks with no communication.

Whatever the final tally is after the work, inspection and appraisal, that is the price that the organization will pay unless it goes over our agreed price in which case, we will simply give a little more.The individuals in this organization are salt of the earth, top-notch in their industries and have their hearts and motives in the right place. 

I love to use city-data.com to analyze the demographics of an area before considering property there, and also am a firm believer in Google Earth's street view as an out-of-state investor.

There is no free lunch on this earth, don't buy experience with your hard earned money.Good LuckVivek

I have not been able to see duplex other than Google Earth.

Why on Earth would a realtor not write it up then???

You need to be able to read maps well  USGS quad maps, now you have google earth of course..

This is an extreme view but it gets results.2 - If you're bold enough to pass Step 1, then go about making sure your property is the cleanest, more groomed, litter-free property on Earth.

No disrespect but why on earth would you pay for something like that upfront before it's built?