Newbie with real estate data questions!

[Zalen Moore]

Hey, everyone i’m new to investing and the forums but, i’ve been trying to devour as much RE information as I can. While I enjoy reading the books, i’m Trying to learn more about analyzing information. Both a property and investing in an area (city, county, state). 

My questions is  how do you get information of an area you’re planning to invest in, how do you compile it and the factors that lead you to choose to (or not) in an area? Also how often are you right with your investments, if it’s a good place to invest in or not? Thanks folks!