How to Familiarize yourself with an Out of state market

[Charles Mitchell]

Hi fellow BPers,

I'm looking to get my first deal within the next 6 months. I'm looking in the Emerson Heights area of Indianapolis (although that may be irrelevant for the post). I'm trying to be as familiar with my target city as I am with the city I live in and I'm finding it to be a little difficult as I'm on the other side of the country in NYC. 

So my question to all of you: How do you become familiar with prospective markets? 

I don't feel completely comfortable investing in the are without learning everything I possibly can in a market and I don't find that I'm accomplishing that by browsing Zillow.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!