It is always better to try to get information in person, rather than through an intermediary or by telephone.

Yes, you will have to rely on what the Shadchan says, to some degree. You will make many of your Berurim by phone. You will listen to what people say about a person. Very little can be done about this situation.

However, these are not advantages. Our modern technology has made life easier, at the expense of determining valid, first-hand information.

You cannot always avoid this situation. People are not always going to welcome you in person in order to find out information about a potential date.

However, whenever it is possible, you should consider going in person. This may be an excuse to visit a mutual friend who happens to know about your date. Your Rabbi is certainly a busy person, but he may welcome a break from his schedule in order to talk to you about your important venture.

Others may not be so forthcoming, and they may want to handle all of the details by phone. That is unfortunate. However, if you show a willingness to meet in person, then there will be more personal meetings than otherwise.

That is important. Every personal meeting is worth more than a series of second-hand resources or resources by phone.