I've got ten house blocks (or farms, if you prefer) of at least six houses in each. I started the Maggie thing on day 1 and out of 16 attempts thus far, I've only NOT found her 1 time. That was because I forgot about a house farm in the Heights. Every time, she has appeared in a house farm, making it fairly easy to find her. I get 1:48 to search. Level 59+.
My better half has no house farms, lots of property and almost all premium buildings. She rarely is able to catch Maggie because it takes her so long to search such a vast area. I suggested moving some houses closer together which she has not chosen to do.
Reliable strategy? Maybe, but it seems to be connected to the size and configuration of your own layout. Good luck.