Steps to take when analyzing areas for investing?

[Brian Kmiotek]

I am currently in the process of looking for a SFH to do my first fix and flip in the Chicagoland area. When analyzing areas I found that some have lots of homes that are sitting on the market and some that do not have any homes that are distressed. What are some characteristics of the area that I should be looking for before deciding to purchase my first deal? Any information helps!