Beginner Looking for Market Research Resources

[Steven Dueck]

I recently decided that since I am fairly young and successful in my current career, that investing in real estate as a landlord on the side would enable excellent wealth-building potential down the road. I have started looking around and browsing the resources available, and learning about the industry, generally preparing to make by first investment in 1-2 years when the timing is right.

This is all great, but I have questions regarding market research and how people here approach it. Things like market-comps for sale price and rental income are primarily what I am interested in digging more into. Are there any free websites or services with this type of info or are they all mostly paid memberships?

I'm not afraid of professional memberships as a cost of doing business but would prefer to hold off on it until I'm ready to make the plunge. 

Also do you have any other advice for beginners? I'm looking at single family or 2-4 unit houses, with a buy-hold strategy.