Long distance investing

[Eric Minnix]

When looking to invest out of your local area, what are some of the first things to look at? 

How do you determine good vs bad areas?

Pricing rents? just craigslist for comparison?

Do rely on a realtor from the area for guidance vs using your local realtor? I understand your local may not know the area, but do you always try to use them when you can?

I spent some time today looking on mls for multi-family in a much bigger city than where I live. Its out of my comfort zone but multi-family is scarce locally.