It's online.

What are some tips and tricks for scouting out areas that I am a complete stranger to?

Google (Name of County) Recorders office, or (Name of County) Tax Assessors office.There should be a place to find out if records are online, if they are you should be able to input the address and get records or at least the type of records filed. 

Most of our tenants use online payment but a few use the PO box still.

Hello Everyone,I have been told by a few people that it would be a good idea for me to practice analyzing properties, so that when I am ready to purchase my own, I will be able to analyze it without much difficulty.I have tried to do that, but when I find properties online, the realtor does not include most of the information.May I know how you go about finding property information?

Family can be good because you know them as well as anyone, surely better than strangers.  

Networking is very key.Local auctions and online auctions.Here's the key.

I have an online system that bills the tenants once per month, and then spend 15 seconds once per month transferring it from the online bill pay platform to my bank account.

Many have their records online. 

Still the best prices I found online.