I know I can go drive there, look up the school systems, check crime, and etc.. but I want to hear from *you* guys - How do you like investing there? 

I wouldnt let it be the driving force in your decision, but it is just a thought to keep in mind.

Just like I buy items at garage sales and resell them, maybe I can go driving around for houses and do the same thing.

Plus, competition drives the free market. :)And between umbrella policy and liability for each property (with replacement cost, not current value), I hope I'm adequately insured.

I bought a house in Iowa Park, which is about a 20 minute drive (at least back then.)I still own that house, now rented, and will close on another there hopefully next week!

It is a tough market here, but there is always something if you are patient and dig deep.

Ten homes shouldn't drive you too crazy, but the types of people who rent mobile homes are very different from those who own.  

The area is desirable for people on a fixed income, since there are a lot of services here and housing is relatively cheap.It's a real shame, because Longview does have a lot to offer - small town charm, I-5 accessibility.That said, I do provide support to folks kicking the tires in Longview - neighborhoods, driving by properties, meet for coffee, etc.

@Emmett DempseyAwesome Forum Emmett,You said there are deals to be made ,here in south Florida, if people take action to find them and you are 100% right.At the auctions you can find great deals but there is a ton of competition.Many fewer people are driving neighborhoods, talking to neighbors, farming specific areas and looking for deals.There are many great ways to get deals and its impossible to be the best at all of them so what has worked well for me is to pick 1 or 2 ways to acquire deals.

I invest in the Boston and DC markets, but expensive markets and both have very reasonably priced properties within driving distance.