Long distance investing - how to get to know an area

[Maricruz Romero]

Hi BP,

I am looking to invest in the Raleigh Research Triangle area in North Carolina. I've visited last week and got to see the area and met with some investors and feel like it is a good area for me to get started. I've learned about areas in which people I have met said expect growth as the Research triangle expands. I am back in NYC and plan to look into some of these areas so that I can concentrate my efforts into 2-3 specific areas during my deal search. I know I am looking for population growth, job growth and determining whether the neighborhood is safe.

For those who have experience investing in long distance RE, what are some sources you use to determine what specific areas / neighborhoods to focus on? How have you gotten comfortable with the area you plan to invest in? Do you go as far as focusing in specific neighborhoods or start by selecting a general county/town?

Thanks in advance for your responses!