Maybe I should consider making the trip

Here are some recommendations for you:Find and connect with other BP members that are in your area: https://www.biggerpockets.com/search/usersSet up keyword alerts to be notified of the topics that interest you: http://www.biggerpockets.com/alertsRead Beginner’s Guide: http://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investingIf you wish to tag someone in the conversation on the forum, type @ followed by their name and then select the name of that person which should appear below the comments box.

Thanks for the info every one, seems I am due for a trip to city hall.

Saw Cleveland's on your short list so I figured you'd get some value out of reading The Ultimate Guide to Grading Cleveland Neighborhoods. 

Saw Cleveland's on your short list so I figured you'd get some value out of reading The Ultimate Guide to Grading Cleveland Neighborhoods.

I use this a lot for location based discussions: http://www.biggerpockets.com/alerts Read Beginner’s Guide: http://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investing Check out the BP Podcasts.

If your house has any special features or something unique to offer, it would be a nice touch to personally guide them to those areas, otherwise allowing them to tour unassisted is commonplace for most Open Houses.

If it's an attached home and I'm not able to inspect the entire outside at once, I will do the back yard last.I also have a quick guide of things to check in each room:DoorsWallsFlooringCeilingLight fixtures and/or fansSmoke / CO2 devicesWindows, sills, and coveringsOutlets and switchesBaseboard or trimFixturesAppliancesEven these are broken down in more detail.

Here are some recommendations for you:Find and connect with other BP members that are in your area: https://www.biggerpockets.com/search/usersSet up keyword alerts to be notified of the topics that interest you: http://www.biggerpockets.com/alertsRead Beginner’s Guide: http://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investingCheck out BP Podcasts: https://www.biggerpockets.com/podcastWishing you the best!

I have just been researching reading books, watching YouTube videos, and have watched all the beginners guide to real estate investing course videos offered by BP.