I am considering purchasing a FLIR camera to assist on occupancy checks. Most of the time its after dark when I really find out if someone is there and I am restricted by GSE not to contact occupant? Any one have any thoughts on it?

Well, they can't see through glass-- windows, and they can't see through walls.

There's some form of advanced radar device that apparently will see through structures. Might be super-expensive. But then again, you could try getting work as a free-lance spy to defray the cost!

If you're going that high tech you might want to just buy a laser or parabolic microphone. You could point it at windows and listen for TV or talking.

Whatever happened to the old days of throwing a brick or tear gas through the window? If someone comes running out it's occupied.

LOL! We rarely have "fun" threads anymore, and I like fun!

But seriously (in a way) isn't pointing parabolics or FLIR or radar at somebody's home quasi-legal? Wouldn't it be invasion of privacy? Wouldn't you need at least a P.I. license?

I can imagine sitting outside a house at night with a parabolic aimed at it and the police knocking on my window and I flash them my NAR card--"Official real estate business, officer! Yes, I have a permit for this 40-cal..."

Yeah, Ben34105...I could even get a particulate flow detection microphone based on a laser-photocell pair with a moving stream of smoke or vapor in the laser beam's path.

" Yes, I supposse there is an expectation of privacy inside their home to consider...your Judge."

As others have said it's not going to help to determine occupancy. I thought about getting one and offering an inspection service to check a home for leaks. I realized I barely have enough time for real estate, so I wouldn't have time for that.

Well, only if either you or I were sitting outside with a snoop device-- we could be charged. "Law enforcement" can do whatever they want to including bringing drug-sniffing dogs on your porch or front stoop to sniff under your door. Walk up and down the street house to house, no probable cause. In Florida. Hmmmm... what about those gated communities? Do they walk up the steps of big mansions with their dogs? Ah, no.

OFF TOPIC TERMINATED

ON TOPIC BEGIN HERE

Speaking of dogs, you could bring a dog and let it loose near the subject property and then run around calling it and see if anyone came out or the porch light came on. Low tech, but it might work.

why stop at FLIR imaging...rent a stealth fighter jet, or a spy satellite. better yet, just ask the neighbors...it's much cheaper. LOL

Night vision goggles and cat burglar suit....or along the dog lines, forget the dog and just borrow or buy a leash and go looking for that "lost dog"

Simple solution - hire Superman and use his X ray vision.

"Officer, here is my NAR card, you are interferring with official business, now step away from my car and continue on with your business".