Evaluating OOS regions for buy and hold

[Norman Berman]

Hi folks,

Total noob here. Reading books, but could use your sage advice.

I'm seeking my first 3 to 4 buy and hold investments over the next couple years. But my local area is too expensive, so I have to look to invest out of state. 

There are specific regions of the country I'm eyeballing, but they are broad swaths (PacWest, Great Lakes, etc.).

I need to narrow it down to specific cities.

What are your tips for how to evaluate, from afar, the right OOS cities for investment? What economic and social indicators should I look for?

Thanks! :-D