Picking a neighborhood?????

[Trisha Morris]

Howdy!  I've been researching and reading blogs and posts and feel like I know just enough to be dangerous.  I want to buy our first rental property to diversify our portfolio into real estate.  We live in California, so anything local is really prohibitive.  I think San Antonio or Austin are promising, and I have family nearby who can help some with closing and property management.  BUT they are NOT in real estate, or particularly real estate minded.   They think their neighborhood would be best because it is what they know.  

So, my question is how do you go about narrowing down to the neighborhood you want to target for buying when you don't drive and live in the area yourself.  I have some sites that can help with if it's in a good school district and such once I find one to target.  I've seen suggestions to reach out to realtors and interview them.  1) I don't know what to ask 2) I don't want to lead someone on and 3) I don't want any pressure just so they can get a deal done (I've been a contingent recruiter and appreciate why that pressure would be there).

Once you pick a city - how do you all pick a suburb or neighborhood??  Especially when you are investing out of state.

I would like to move fairly quickly before interest rates climb much more, but I don't want to make a bad first step.  I'd love any help or insights you could give me.  

THANK YOU!!!  And I of course I love my area, so if you want to know anything about my neighborhood here in Seal Beach, please ask away.  I have 2 houses for sale on my cul de sac right now.  (and by I have, I mean they happen to be for sale close to me - Ha!)