Brand new, looking for out of state opportunity in Huntsville AL

[Kate Richard]

Hey Bigger Pockets community! I'm a brand new member from South Shore MA. Looking for our first rental opportunity out of state, since the Massachusetts market is expensive and the laws are not favorable to landlords. Excited about the Huntsville, AL market and planning to take a trip to get familiar with the area in November. We have one vacation rental, but want to get into long term rentals. Not afraid of purchasing a property that needs work and open to any advice I can get! 

Would be open to opportunities in Worcester MA as well. 

One of the questions I have is how to evaluate the strength of the rental market in a specific area. For instance, there are several rentals listed in Huntsville on Zillow that look like nice homes, but aren't rented. Is that a good indication of the market or bad? What sources do people use to advertise and rent their listings in that area? 

Thanks for any help or advice sent my way!