How can I tell if there is a demand for rentals in a given area?

[Sean Fitzgerald]

Here's another newbie question...

I'm trying to buy my first investment property. How can I tell if there is a demand for rental property in the area I'm looking?

[Joshua Springer]

Couple easy ways, drive around check for rent signs.  Check county auditor site for registered rentals, check sites like renotmeter that tracks a lot of rentals in areas.  You could also check zillow or craigslist and see how many ads are up for rentals in area currently.