Hey guys, newbie here and huge BiggerPockets fan

[Chris M.]

Hey guys, my name is Chris and I've been watching the BP show on YouTube for a few months now and quickly became addicted. 

Not sure if it's typical to ask a question in intro posts, but here it goes: what are the best resources to get a sense for a local market? I'd like to know where prices are typically at in certain areas, how fast houses are being bought etc. Is the MLS the best resource for this?

Truly appreciate what you guys do and look to be purchasing my first house via creative financing by 2017. Thanks to anyone for their thoughts on my question.