What are some tips and tricks for scouting out areas that I am a complete stranger to?

Brent, Thanks for the tips!

I once read a tip that I thought was priceless, they said not to have them write checks in your name, but the LLC name and don't let them know you are the owner (if possible, dont lie though).

a few days late since i am super busy with the current rehabs, but closed on #19 on thursday night. worked on it for awhile with the listing agent and the brokerage. they apparently have a great relationship with the feds and kept trying a few times to get the best price. about a month+ ago, it was listed at 72k, i believe. then a few days later it dropped to 64.9k. i offered 52, but they didn't take. they said they had another offer. then i offered 55 and stuck to it 3 times in a row. they said best they'd do at this time was 55.5, so i took it.it's in Garden City, but on the border with Westland. it's on a cross road (one that goes between 2 major roads, so that will push some people away. numbers look like this:purchase - 55.5krehab - who knows, after 18, i still can't estimate properly, but i am hoping $20k at mosttaxes - $2,500rent - average rent is $1,000the problem is that i am out of money right now and can't touch it until i am done with the latest 2 rehabs. i might do a little here and there like demo and cleaning up the yard of trees and such, but no major installs until we are done with the latest 2.my goal was 20 a year ago. i am close, so i just need a new goal.

They are both great at learning the fundamentals.Also - here's a couple articles you might enjoy:The 21 Best Real Estate Investing Books Ever How to Rent Your House: The Definitive Step by Step GuideHow to Be a Landlord: Ten Tips for SuccessOh - and don't forget to set up your Keyword Alerts!

@James Birdsall Thanks for the tip.

All of those tips are great.  

This is a notable milestone for @Joshua Dorkin and team - congratulations on growing the model to this level.However, I wonder if the growth in unique visits per month has a similarity to "shoeshine boys giving stock tips"?

We will be going over tips and tricks of the trade when it comes to raising private capital for your real estate needs. 

After I sell my house, I was interested in tips on how I should keep the ball rolling.