Also, I can visit properties at any time and drive by most of them even running errands. 

I'm just always very hesitant to pay for online resources without a test drive or referral.  

But I'll see how far of a drive it is. 

I'd like to keep the local investments to under a 2-hr drive from my home base of Albany, CA.  

Depending on the area I could drive by for you and take a look, possibly partner with you as well to help off set some of your cost.  

The HOA covers roof repairs, common drive and fencing.

Drive for dollars!

We have been driving the different areas trying to get a feel of the different investment opportunities around here.

They are in an HOA for the common good of a rental property to maintain exterior integrity and protect against a slum lord driving down values through lack of maintenance of the rules of a community or the repairs and landscaping needed to attract great tenants.  

Welcome to BP community, hope all is well.What was my driving force was eating up audio books to speed up the gaining knowledge process, in return I would gather my questions faster for more deeper research.also all podcast/video-blogs from BP, listen to all of them until you start feeling a craving for a certain niche, then focus more on that new found hunger.recommended books:-Profit First-10x Rule-Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Real Estate Investing (free from BP)-Rich Dad Poor Dad-Millionaire Real Estate Agent (known as the Red book within REA's)-Millionaire Real Estate Investor (known as the Blue book within REA's)-4 hour work week-The E Myth for Real Estate InvestorsGood luck, you seek , you will find#keepthehustle #lifeisworthliving #notdreamingitsreality