A great place to virtually be involved. 

The equity would provide you many choices.As for whether it is a good time: I think San Diego property is in constrained on virtually every side (Ocean, Mexico, Camp Pendleton, too hostile as get to Jamul and beyond) and therefore has a limited supply. 

PROS:  quick access to cash and virtually no transactions costs. 

I have found that 2-4 unit properties virtually do not exist in the DC metro area.

He often paid late with the previous landlord, deals only in money orders, and the records they kept on him are virtually non-existent. 

It's a virtual no-brainer

Farmers also owns Foremost and with the combination of those two companies, virtually all the issues I listed above, are not an issue for them.

@Bobby Larsen  this is virtually how every commercial bank does loans..

Most mortgage payments will generally include the property taxes and the homeowner's insurance paid directly through escrow (and if there is still a mortgage on the home, then you can virtually guarantee that property taxes and homeowner's insurance are being paid - in worst case scenario, the lender will pay if the owner refuses to do so, and add it to the balance of the note.)Contract clauses are all nice and fine and dandy until the stuff hits the fan... then you realize that contracts are only worth your willingness to litigate over disputes.

On a similar note, I think there will be more realistic virtual tours that will come out as the technology for VR is improved.