Leverage technology. Facetime is a great tool to have your agent or someone on the ground at the property relaying any important issues the inspector might have.

Find a "boots on the ground" person in that market to be present at your inspections. Be clear on the expectation for the inspection as well by making sure they are capturing all of the details that you don't see in a normal inspection. Video is useful, but make sure you give direction for what you need to see in the video. Make sure they are going all the way around the house, panning up and down from floor to ceiling, etc. Finding a knowledgeable Realtor in the area can also help in having a successful inspection and reporting on condition of a property.

As a remote investor, partnering with a trusted local real estate agent is a great way to address concerns about property inspections. They can recommend reliable inspectors and even attend the inspection on your behalf, providing detailed feedback and photos. The agent can also help you navigate the local market, ensuring you get accurate assessments. Requesting a comprehensive inspection report, including videos and live walkthroughs, further keeps you in the loop. With the right local team, you can feel confident making decisions, even from a distance.

Managing remote property inspections comes down to having the right people and a solid system. I like to keep things organized with lists and rely on trusted local contacts—whether it’s a property manager, contractor, or even a reliable neighbor—to check things out. Communication is key, so I make sure expectations are clear and use video calls or photos to verify everything. Just like managing finances or daily tasks, staying proactive and having a checklist helps keep things running smoothly, even from a distance.