There have been recent threads suggesting surprise visits to the applicants current home, and in-person visits to their listed place of employment.  

If you’re looking for a hard money loan or bridge loan, you can visit one of the many ‘lending-related’ groups many social networking sites such as this one.

Our parents still live in our hometown so we visit the property a few times a year and have our parents drive by once in a while.Suggestions:-Since San Diego is out of your price range try some where within an 1-2 hour driving distance.

I just visited a bank owned property in an old neighborhood, homes built during world war 2, It is a 2 bedroom single story way out of date with a  dilapidated front porch and asbestos siding. 

We were very pleased with the progress we saw since our last visit five years ago. 

I have visited there in the past months and there are great opportunities out there!  

If I were your friend I would target areas in the US that he could easily visit. 

I recommend using a site like greatschools.net to look at ratings, visit the schools and talk to parents if possible.

I just left from Georgia (I visited during the week of July 4th, as I have family there), and there are plenty of knowledgable investors there that can really help you out.

Consider also the location; yes you have quicker access in and out of town, accessibility to downtown, bus stops, supermarkets and etc. but if you really want to buy it, you should visit at different times of the day to get a feel for the noise situation so that you can asses it since it’s one of the most common downside in living in the main street and also if you have children living with you, you should make sure that the rehabilitation will include the safety of your children.