In addition to visiting in person (which is ideal if you can swing it), here are a few ways I try to get a deeper feel for a neighborhood remotely:Talk to service providers: Property managers, handymen, and even local inspectors often have unfiltered insights about which areas are landlord-friendly, where tenant turnover is high, or where to watch for deferred maintenance issues.Use tech creatively: Google Street View is great, but I also look at local YouTube channels for neighborhood drive-throughs, town hall meetings, or even local vloggers — it’s surprising what you can find that way.Tap into community chatter: Reddit threads (like r/phoenix), Facebook groups, or Nextdoor can give a candid view of what locals think about crime, schools, and quality of life.

Quote from @Jim R.: Steve, can you expound on the Baltimore fraud scheme? 

Quote from @Jesus Flores: Quote from @R.

Is this method a commonly used method by investors?

Quote from @Melissa Justice: Quote from @Scott R.: This is just me, but any real estate agent that calls themselves an "investment strategist" would have me running for the hills.

Has anyone here had success with the Gator method?

The BEST method for real estate investing is very simple: increase earnings, reduce expenditures, save, and invest from your own funds.You should focus on increasing earnings and learning how to manage your budget.

Quote from @Austin Hunter: Hey BP fam,I’m a new investor just getting started, and I’m trying to learn about all the different strategies out there — especially creative financing methods like seller financing, subject-to, lease options, etc.The problem is, every time I try to look something up on YouTube, it seems like it’s always from a guru who’s just trying to funnel you into a $1,000+ course.

From there, I’d continue using the BRRRR method for future properties. 

Recently, my dad gifted me a flag lot in Irving, TX (zoned R-6 Residential), originally with the intention of building a home for ourselves.