How to be OK w/ buying rentals sight unseen from out of state?

[Susan Tan]

As I described in  https://www.biggerpockets.com/..., I've purchased this 4plex sight unseen after watching the video tours made by my realtor/property manager, then reading the inspection & appraisal. I trust my property manager/realtor a whole lot after having done 2 past deals with her, including a past rehab deal. I send the MLS deals that look interesting to my Cincinnati-based realtor/property manager from 2,000 miles away while I live in CA. I still haven't seen this property in-person even 1 month later after the 4plex has closed because I'm cautious about getting on a 9-10 hr plane flight during these pandemic times. I'm following the instructions from David Greene's book on out of state investing and it's working out very well for me. I live in SF Bay Area in CA while investing in the Midwest.

If you've done deals out-of-state that are sight unseen for many times in the past, what are some factors that help make you more comfortable in doing these deals? This info could be of help to new out-of-state investors living in the high-cost coastal cities. 

[Nathan Fisher]

So with MY OOS Investors, I'll walk through the property with Skype, Zoom or Facetime for them. Should give you a strong idea.

Remember it's a dispassionate investment, that is all about the numbers. If your inspector gave you the clear, you trust and are checking in on the property management, and the cash flow is where it needs to be, who cares if you've seen it?

The only factors that matters are the numbers and making sure you have reliable competent local people to do the work.