And of course their are different levels of each because showing up on their doorstep has a different level of engagement than going on a trip to Europe with them.So here’s why I say all of this.

IE developers moving back into areas that were run down for a variety of reasons.. in the suburbs  Schools generally are number one  in importance  followed by affordability and traffic flow.in the inner city it seems like the under 40's and retiring boomers are shifting markets back to inner city .just take a short trip down to Charleston SC that is a perfect example of old becoming new again and changing demographics .. 20 years ago.. very little activity today.. new builds everywhere and changing demographics.. old school moving out young and boomers moving in. catch the wave.I went there about 5 years ago .. its quite amazing.. and I can tell you it was a leap of faith.. but it has been rewarded.virtually every big city in AMerica has there little section that this is happening to.. and very easy to find  its self evident when you tour the areas.

Don't fall for this trip and truly find out what you are getting into before you get into these "commercial" properties.

@Derrick Thomas, I'm not an expert here, but I don't think you can do that with an FHA, since it requires owner occupancy and you won't be living there.Normally, it would be possible for one partner to guaranty the mortgage, but both be on title (or better yet use an LLC), but I think the FHA loan is going to trip you up.

My real estate partner and I reside in Southern California (San Diego and Orange County (Costa Mesa / Newport Beach), respectively) and we're taking a trip to Cleveland, Ohio from September 29 (actually taking the redeye that night so won't be in until early morning of September 30) to the late afternoon of October 2.

And if you're going to make the trip I'd pick a listing for a property in a nice(r) area and one that looks like it's in a worse area.  

The first time took me most of the day and a few trips to home depot.

@Christopher Phillips makes a good point in not letting the LLC trip you up and prevent you from hitting the streets and looking at properties.

Ok BPers, I am in Norfolk, Virginia on a work trip and I'm taking advantage of my time here to check out the local real estate for future out of state purchases.

My son and I will be taking a trip to Seattle, Wa area the first week of October.