Struggling with market research

[Andrew R.]

I am a new investor, just graduated from college and saving for my first duplex.  I am struggling with how to do market research.  David Greene points out you should look for population growth, job growth (and what kind of jobs), vacancy rate, average income, and building/construction permits.  I am finding it frustrating to find and collect all of this data, not to mention I don't really know what I am looking for yet.  Does anyone have a solid method for doing research?  Where do you go to compile your information?  How do you stay organized?  What increases your interest when you are looking at a new area?  Any help would be appreciated, thank you.