for that to be worth it you need to buy it at a significant discount. 

You're right that the expense/hassle of a trip is worth it relative to the amount of money at stake.A question on that though - in a market where good OM deals hardly last longer than a week - is it really realistic to plan on touring specific properties that I might put an offer on?

As it sits it is worth around $280 ish and ARV is $340k according to me.

Hi Theresa,  I need to call around and see if raising my deductible would be worth it. 

At that point, it's worth researching and finding a solution that better meets your needs.

Making the connection in person is completely different from an online interaction.

Connect with @Jay Hinrichs HES THE MAN!! 

It's great to have you here.Here are some recommendations for you:Find and connect with other BP members that are in your area: http://www.biggerpockets.com/m...Set up keyword alerts to be notified of the topics that interest you: http://www.biggerpockets.com/a...Read Beginner’s Guide: http://www.biggerpockets.com/r...Check out BP Money Podcast: https://www.biggerpockets.com/..Wishing you the best

That's really how you can make solid connections.

I recently got preapproved for a HELOC at approximately 38,000 and the house is worth around 285,000.