Out of state purchase rental property strategy?

[John Chung]

Hi BP folks, has anyone bought property out of state, without having a close friend, family member or a business partner (boots on the ground) sort to say, to inspect, drive by, take pictures of that location? How did you go about finding and checking out the homes? Would cost a lot $$$ to constantly take trips out there by plane, hotel, etc... Any words of wisdom that you all could recommend? many thanks