Is visiting an out of state market actually worth it before buying?

I'm looking at buying a rental home out of state since the bay area has a higher entry price. My main goal is cash flow.

I can research rents, taxes, crime, landlord laws, and listings online, but I wonder how much I’d miss by not actually spending a few days driving around the area. I've had success in San Francisco buying in areas that had planned development, I feel like this is something you only experience when you are there and talking to people.

For those investing out of state:
Did you visit before buying your first property?
If so, was the trip worth it?
Did seeing the neighborhoods in person, or meeting agents/property managers, change your decision?