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

I then asked my parents, wifes parents and some neighbors (55-65yrs old) and they all said no, they had never needed to do it.

Brent, Thanks for the tips!

I once read a tip that I thought was priceless, they said not to have them write checks in your name, but the LLC name and don't let them know you are the owner (if possible, dont lie though).

They are both great at learning the fundamentals.Also - here's a couple articles you might enjoy:The 21 Best Real Estate Investing Books Ever How to Rent Your House: The Definitive Step by Step GuideHow to Be a Landlord: Ten Tips for SuccessOh - and don't forget to set up your Keyword Alerts!

@James Birdsall Thanks for the tip.

All of those tips are great.  

This is a notable milestone for @Joshua Dorkin and team - congratulations on growing the model to this level.However, I wonder if the growth in unique visits per month has a similarity to "shoeshine boys giving stock tips"?

We will be going over tips and tricks of the trade when it comes to raising private capital for your real estate needs. 

She says she probably needs to take leave without pay from work, as well as possibly leave Denver and Colorado to head back to her parents in Indiana, so they can help with the situation.