Where do you find apartment buildings?

[Mike Alber]

I'm a new RE investor living in LA, but I have family in Michigan and am looking to invest in a small apartment building there.  Since I can't just drive around looking for likely places, I was wondering if there's a good online tool I can use to get started looking for these types of buildings.  I found LoopNet.com, but are there others?   Eventually, I'll likely connect with a realtor to find a property, but I'm just getting started and want to know the kinds of things that are out there.

One final question: this would be my first investment property.  Is it crazy to start with an apartment building?  They just seem more stable and a quick way to own many doors instead of one-at-a-timing it.  

Any advice for things you should know in this arena would be appreciated!