For restaurant type outlets, I visit the strip at different types, to see how business is.

  $30k seems like an agressive price, I think you will find value in your trip to visit the area. 

I'm starting with one market and learning about it by networking, research and attending REI meetings every time I visit the US (twice a year). 

Find your closest REI group/meetup and visit more than once.View youtube for biggerpockets on analyzing a deal.Www.biggerpockets.com/ubgis also a good resource.Good Luck.

I think if I ever invest further than I can drive, I will be sure to visit the area and talk with neighbors and store owners in the area.

Go visit Downtown Vista, it looks like a brand new city, completely renovated, new streets, new restaurants, new housing, while keeping many of the local businesses intact.

      Today our Wardley Real Estate sales office in Las Vegas was visited by Lennar Homes, and their spokesperson had interesting news.

I visited dozens of countries on four continents when I was Active Duty Navy (before my time in the AF) and wouldn't trade a day of it for a year back at home sitting on the sofa. 

Hope this guide helps - http://www.houstonproperties.com/houston-neighborh...Here's Houston Zip Code Map  - http://www.houstonproperties.com/houston-neighborh...I've also moved from beautiful CA to planet Houston just over 2 yrs ago, and still frequent San Diego to visit our daughter during the holidays.  

I started investing out of state while I was in California, but it's nice to be able to go visit properties and literally drive through neighborhoods now that I live where I will be investing.