New Investor - Looking for a New Investment

[Mike Miller]

Hi everyone - first time bigger pockets forum poster here. Hope ya'll can help!

I am a new real estate investor. I currently joint own a 2-unit in Wrentham, MA with my brother and we have some start up capital that we are looking to invest into our second multi-family property. We live in the suburbs of Boston and are looking to invest in that general area. I am not sure if anyone is familiar with the area but it is pretty desirable as it is a short commute to both Boston and Providence and is a great spot to grow up with tons to do (I would know I spent my entire life here and even though I hate the cold Im willing to bet that I'm a lifer here). 

I guess my question would be what are the first steps you would take to find a property and what type of criteria would you include on a criteria list prior to finding a property (I have a family friend who is a better than good realtor for the area that agreed to put me on an alert list for anytime a property crosses her desk - she simply asked to provide her with some investment criteria).

Thanks and looking forward to some responses!