Researching ANY market - How?

[Neil Stern]

Hello BP!

My feeling is that the following questions are likely on the minds of  newbie investors. I'm sure your answers will help many people - So thanks in advance!!

Generally speaking, where is the best place to do internet research on key market metrics? 

- Where is the best place to get demographic trend info? How does one determine the likely direction that a neighborhood is heading?  - Job outlook, etc.  is there any particular website?

-Where can a non broker investor get quality information regarding expected cost per square foot. There are often properties (I find this especially true in Brooklyn NY ) that are between two Neighborhoods with different valuation. 

-Is there any resource where  renovation costs can be researched - targeted to a city -  as an expected cost per square foot?

I understand that a Mentor can help with these questions, but are there quality online sites that report on these metrics?

Again, thanks for your advice.

Best,

Neil