Newbie question.....How to research rental markets?

[Kathleen DeNault-Ridge]

Oh, such a noob question: how to research rental viability in a particular market?
I was thinking about investing in mother Philly rental student market....9+ major universities. But with our desire to use our "sweat equity" to get into a property that needs some help and our location being 1.25 hours away from Philly, plus the city taxes and other regulations, we have been considering rental properties in more "local" areas (Bethlehem,Allentown, Hellertown, Perkasie, Sellersville). I'm just sure of the rental potential in these areas.
Any thoughts?
Kathleen