For higher end properties, I would probably fly in and tour them myself.

As you grow, begin to expand those conversations to tours, comparing underwriting, and eventually LOIs!

I play these up to everyone touring the house and let them know I have offers already.  

The process went smoothly from there.The one difference with me was that I was very familiar with the property as it had been on the market previously and I had toured, seen the financials, rent roll, etc.

The premise "the hood is good" is flawed.I'm not sure if I can post a YouTube link on this site, but here is a tour of Sherrena's properties by a local Milwaukee landlord in 2018. 

We do tours every month and will gladly show you around and get you up close and personal with the beautiful ginger bread brick properties and lovely frame houses that are offering solid cash flowing returns as well has help familiarize you with Detroit.

My wife always says "don't let them know we are the owners" when we give tours to potential tenants AND as soon as they ask (usually with a curios face): Are you guys the owners?

:-) We ended up touring Kansas City together and met with several "turnkey" providers.

So maybe I’m not qualified to answer the question of whether successful people participate in forums such as this because I’m not successful.Heck, I’ve only bought $300 million or so worth of real estate, and here is the view from my office as I write this:Sitting in this very spot over the last two weeks with my laptop, iPad and cell phone my team has toured over a dozen multifamily properties.

I wish you the best of luck and if you would ever like a tour around lmk!