What site / tools used to see how rough an area is without going?

[Christopher Abernathy]

What sites/methods would you guys use or do you think are best to just analyze an area and see if it is has a horrible crime rate and or gang war zone / gangland ? I have heard of calling police station to ask about the address/ recent crimes and stating you are investor, but this is obviously not the routine when initially checking on many potential out of state investment properties at once.

im sure some of you have your 4-5 websites in order that you use to analyze an out of state property.

as of now I use google maps and the 360 view to cruz the nearest streets and intersection.

then I go to rentometer dot com to look up avg rents. and their claimed accuracy.

then I look comps on Zillow for value.

even any sites used when checking on rental potential or the growth in the area for solid rental occupancy in the future would be extremely helpful. thx :)

other than that im very curious what are routine habits for others!!