Yes but, how do you learn every nook and cranny, every important real estate detail about your chosen area? It's not hard. You plan a systematic investigation of every street.

First you get out a map and mark your area. Even if you've lived your whole life in the area do not assume you really know the area. You will now be looking at it through the eyes of a real estate investor. Start by driving every street. Take along your map, a notebook, a pen or pencil and a camera.

Take a photo of anything of interest you might see on your drives. Remodeling, storm damage, landscape work, vacant homes, homes where legal notices have been posted, homes needing repairs, vandalism... attractive paint job... appealing landscaping... anything that seems unusual or interesting.

If you have a digital camera you can computer print any photos you take and paste them into the notebook you are going to compile... along with notes about the property.

If you have the skill you can load your photos into computer files and link them to a data base of your notes about interesting properties. Exactly what are you looking for? Anything that will help you become an expert in your area. The more you study the area the more opportunity will become apparent.

Take your time. The more investigating you do the better. The more you'll be learning. At a minimum, you should plan on driving your area two or three times as a start. As you drive begin to think like a real estate investor.

What neigborhoods appear best for buying rental homes? What do you like about certain properties? What do you dislike? Which properties would you be proud to own? Which need immediate repair or landscaping?

Identify areas where all the homes are single-family residences. Are other areas zoned for apartments, commercial or industrial properties? How do you rate each neighborhood within your area for its investment potential?

Poor
Better
Best

Grab photos of things that you like and dislike, paint colors, landscaping, type of fence, color of door, yard gate, condition of driveway, etc.

Whenever you want to do a quick house makeover you can refer to your notes and photos. Choose what you like best and know exactly what you want done. This saves time and money and assures you that the finished product will appeal to a new buyer or renter. If you keep looking you'll soon have a solid understanding of your area, and a note book
of solid information.

Does the upkeep of the lawns and yards give you an indication of the type of neighborhood you are in?

Does there seem to be a pride of ownership in the area? Are there abandoned cars or late model automobiles parked in driveways?

Is the city doing its job to keep the area safe and attractive? Are there parks and other recreational amenities in the area? How do they look?

What about the appearance of the schools and government buildings and places of worship? What is your impression of the people in each neighborhood?

Take notes so you can refer to them when you have questions about a neighborhood. Learn the names of streets and schools.
Watch for "For Rent" and "For Sale" signs. Too many of these could mean there is a problem in the area.

After you have driven the streets for a few weeks begin walking the streets where you would like to own homes. Walk when people are home. Weekend mornings or summer in the early evening are the best times.

Be friendly and chat with the people you see working in and around their homes...

"Hi, I'm thinking of buying a home in the neighborhood. How long have you lived here? Is it a nice neighborhood? Is there anything you don't like about it? Are you planning on moving soon? Do you know if any of your neighbors are planning on selling?"

Just start nice, friendly conversations and let people talk. You will learn some surprising information and some of it will
make you money. We call that "Strolling For Dollars". There is no easier or quicker way to find property to buy than to take those walks regularly.

You will learn things no other investor will ever know. You'll have first chance at properties others will never know about.

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