Once a property is under contract, then it may make sense to view in person, otherwise, as you mentioned, it will be costly.

You have to look at it from their point of view and see if it makes sense for them as well.I bought 4 houses from a friend of mine because he was burned out from managing them himself over the last 10 years, but didn't want the taxes from selling them outright. 

I'll follow this thread, as I'm interested to hear if others have more experience using the method you described.

View report*This link comes directly from our calculators, based on information input by the member who posted.What do you think of this deal & why? 

Lake views vs Mountain View’s vs forest views will affect occupancy and night rates.

@Charles KaoThanks for a different situational view.  

To my surprise, it rented to the second person to view it for more than I expected to get.

View report*This link comes directly from our calculators, based on information input by the member who posted.Hello everyone. 

He's unmarried and and just five years out of college, he's living in young 'hip' area,  his rent is under market and it would be difficult to buy a property in his area that would cash flow as a rental so it makes sense for him;  I think in the situation you described it would be a reasonable thing to do as well.

I would view the leasing as a lead generation tool.