1st time NY investor visiting Raleigh NC-seeking advice for visit

[Maricruz Romero]

Hi BP!

I am interested in the Raleigh real estate market and I will be visiting the area  for a week from May 21st to May 28th. I am looking for advice from others who have gone on similar trips to get to know the area in which they are investing. When visiting a new market what are some of the things you do while there? What are some of the things I should do to get to know the market and be better prepared to invest from out of state? Who do you recommend I meet with?

Additional background - This is my first visit to North Carolina so I am not familiar with the area. I will be staying with a close friend who has lived in the area for 10+ years so she will be my primary contact and source of info. I tried searching BP meetups but doesn't look like there are any scheduled while I'm there.

Thank you, appreciate all advice!