When you visit the place you are going to do two activities.

@Federico GutierrezHi FedericoI have been able to visit Detroit a couple of years ago and do plan another trip within the next few months. 

Google reviews are amazing.Meetups are good idea but in near future we don't have plans to visit there.

@Ed Page a first time home buyer is considered to be someone who hasn't had any ownership in a property for the past 3 years.

I bet they made a killing there.Also I just thought of if you have family in other areas / states that you visit often you could look there or have them be on the look out for any good deals.

Oh - I have heard from a few honest ones that they cannot pay the rent this month because they have a car repair, had to visit a dying relative, funeral, lost their job, hours were cut, school tuition was due for their son, etc.

If you can track down there number or address, just call or visit. 

Currently still researching from Brooklyn but I visited this Jan to speak with a few mortgage brokers and I'm excited to beginning my property search.

As an added benefit, we will only have to file a Reg D filing once with the SEC and can use the same PPM, with a separate one page addendum for each note offering. 

Check out MAREI.org and the Winvestors Facebook Page for starters.