Exploring new areas for possible investment

[Howie Baker]

First of all thank you Bigger Pockets for creating a platform that allows me to reach out to other investors for networking (as well as great education and help with deal structure, calculators, etc.)  From my networking through BP I found another local investor and have began working alongside his company as an acquisitions manager!

My question is how do other BP'ers research possible areas of growth and appreciation to get into emerging markets?  I get the idea that even knowing a large investment area like the whole city of Phoenix, I need to have some degree of boots on the ground to understand the more defined smaller areas and neighborhoods where growth and appreciation occur.   I am specifically in charge of locating apartment buildings with greater then 20 units.  Do you all have some suggestions how I whittle down to cities, municipalities, and finally neighborhoods to locate the best areas.  Any input would be greatly appreciated!!

Howie