Hi Dave: I live in Alexandria and can recommend Park Fairfax as another great location to rent or buy because of the easy bus connections to the Pentagon. 

However, I also take a couple of trips a year out there to check on things (but maybe I'm too paranoid). 

My next trip to PR is in February and I will likely be installing a keyless lock that can be managed via my app.

Here are the potential numbers:Rent = $1400/monthMortgage = $959Home Equity Loan = $552Prop Mgmt = $140 (10% of rent)Vacancy = $70 (5% of rent)Repairs = $70 (5% of rent)I have a couple of big trees that need to be removed because they are causing issues to the back block wall and raising the driveway/entry sidewalk causing a potential trip hazard.

You can save up to $200 with 1 coupon, if I am going on a larger trip, I buy $1,300 of stuff, take out to the car, go back in and do the same thing over and over until I have everything I need.

If you are using hard money you need to budget for the points and fees as well as traditional third party closing fees.Repairs: The money it is going to take you to rehab the property plus an extra 10% of estimated repair costs to account for unexpected repairs.Holdings Costs: Here is where a lot of investors get tripped up.

I haven't made a trip south of the border to start looking yet, but am planning to soon, and would like to hear which areas I should be honing in on. 

My partner owes me a trip to Gonpachi Nishiazabu, Manto-Akaska/Roppongi.  

Holidays/afterhours work is always more and depending on the distance you may also be hit with a trip charge.

But what deeper questions do you recommend me asking or what should I look out for on my trip as I review the property?