Do you want to invest in real estate remotely? Here are 5 tips to help you succeed.

The opinions expressed by entrepreneurs contributors are their own.

Thanks to advancements in technology, remote control has never been easier. Many digital tools are now available to manage your property online. If the real estate market in your area is not conducive to a profitable investment, considering a remote property may be a good option for you. Some investors choose this solution in order to diversify their investments. They invest in another region, or even in another country, without having to set foot there. If you're interested in this method of real estate investing, here are six things to know before you get started:

1. Research the market

Knowledge of the real estate market is essential for a successful investment. The fact that it is a remote investment does not exclude the importance of doing a market study beforehand. This research allows you to determine whether the investment will be viable or not. Knowledge of the market shows the seller that you are serious, and then they are less likely to be tempted to raise the price. You will be in a good position to negotiate if the advertised price seems too high to you in relation to the information you have gathered. Nowadays, it is easier to access certain information such as the average price of a rental in a city, property taxes or the history of properties placed on the market. This type of information will help you understand the situation of the real estate market in the city where you plan to invest.

Related: The Rise of 'Virtual Land Ownership'

2. Contact a real estate agency

Once you have found a property that you think is interesting, the first step is to contact the real estate agent to ask for more information about the property. Since you will not have the opportunity to visit the property in person, you can request photos and videos of the property at the same time. Keep in mind that photos and videos are sometimes misleading as they show the property at its best. As an investor, you need to look for any flaws that may be present in the property. So, don't forget to inspect important points such as the roof or common areas. It is also possible to take a virtual tour through a video conference so that you can see the property in real time. At the same time, you can leave your details with the agent in question, and you can also ask him to contact you if he has other properties of this type in his portfolio. Applying the same process for each interesting ad will allow you to build up a network of real estate agents. This will increase your chances of finding an opportunity.

3. Build a network of local professionals

As you won't be on site most of the time, it's necessary to have a network of local professionals at your fingertips. This network may include contractors, lawyers, janitorial services or real estate agents that you can rely on if there is a problem with your property. These people will take care of emergency situations to ensure that your property is always running smoothly. And because they know the territory better than you do, they will be able to advise you on the procedures best suited to the local situation. These days, it's easy to find information about real estate agents, contractors, or other professionals by searching , or Angie's List. You can see if the professional in question is reliable or not with just one click.

Related: How to Get the Most Out of Your Rental Property Investments

4. Carry out administrative procedures remotely

Some people are f...