Newbie with limited time in NYC

[David Levine]

Hi I am interested in a buy and hold strategy. I have limited time to find deals as I have a demanding job during the week. I live in NYC so my immediate area is too expensive to buy. I am looking into the suburbs- an area where I don't know first hand from living there about its neighborhood nuances

Question- How do I tell through online research whether a potential house is a good deal. 

Specifically- 1) How to find out if this is an area where you can find tenants to rent a house. Most of the homes are owner occupied in these towns 

2) How can I estimate the amount of repairs that will be necessary to fix a home -especially if it a foreclosure.

3) How can i estimate the amount of closing costs? 

I only have a few hours a week to actually drive out to these neighborhoods and get a feel for them. 

Thoughts and suggestions are welcome.

Thank you!