Where In The World Was Satch?

I've had several requests for the answer to my LinkedIn OSINT challenge.

So, I figured I should probably do a solution post. Here it goes!

Of course, with OSINT (to steal a quote from TCM himself) it's the technique, not the tool. So this walkthrough would be how I would do it. #YMMV

The challenge winner, in less than an hour no less, told me he used my location (shown on my LinkedIn) and started looking at nearby beaches. Excellent technique! He got the beach right, which was all I was looking for since Google (or anyone else for that matter) doesn't have an interactive street view.

Another user, after the fact, enjoyed the challenge and landed within 2 addresses of mine. Which was quite impressive! If you're here for the answer...I'll stop pontificating like a B-movie villain.

The original image:

How would I start? Reverse image search with Google!

Scrolling through the results...we can be pretty sure I'm in the Outer Banks in NC, but nothing super useful.

Now, those houses are pretty distinct, maybe.

Let's narrow in with Lens.

We have to scroll a bit...but this house looks interesting, the window configuration looks the same.

Let's click that link...

https://www.twiddy.com/outer-banks/4x4/carova-beach/rentals/summer-academy/

Now, let's scroll the pictures. Click right 1 time and...wait, does that house on the left look like the house in the first pic?

OMG, the window configuration is identical!

And, the listing gives us an address!

2077 Sandfiddler Rd, 4x4, NC 27927

The "name" of the house from the Twiddy listing is "Summer Academy".

Let's throw that in Google and see what we see.

Let's turn on satellite and zoom in on the pin. We'll rotate the view so the dunes are in the correct relation to the original pic.

Now, 1 guess I got was 2079 Sandfiddler which is here. But, if you look at the angle of the original photo...is it possible?

Probably not, because we don't see the house on the left at all.

But...from the next house to the left of that... 2083 Sandfiddler... It would be possible to see both houses in the pic.

Now, this is a solid guess, but if we're doing OSINT, we have to be sure.

#LMGTFY

And we get realtor listings. Let's take a look. Zillow is good for OSINT. :)

And now we click through the pictures!

Well, isn't image 7 of 37 fun?

We can see all 3 houses from the original pic.

Now picture me, drink in hand on the balcony in the upper right, taking the pic you saw originally. 2083 Sandfiddler Rd, Corolla, NC 27927

Thanks for playing, hope you had fun!