Stop and talk to folks, visit the local businesses... get a feel.

Go to REI meetings, network with other investors, visit lots of properties.

Visit them a lot, figure out what's broken and fix it.  

After several visits in which I found feces on the floor, a growing odor of urine, and finally, an unauthorized cat living in the property, I told the tenant his lease would not be renewed and he needed to relocate (there was only two months left on his lease, so it did not seem worth evicting).Now that he is out, the smell is horrendous (you can smell it from outside the front door).

For this property, no prior visit etc, is allowed one hour before auction starts.

I don't have any problem owning property or visiting the area.

When I settle on a market, I do plan to fly out for interviews and visit some properties in person before pulling the trigger.

Good evening,I am currently visiting Detriot from vegas and will be heading out tomorrow.

I visited in January and there was 115 people in attendance so you will surely find a couple people that can help you get started.

I also visit past due tenants and hang around quite awhile to work out past due agreements.