Here are a few suggestions on how you can maximize the wealth of information available: Check out the blogs and podcasts, or take advantage of the search feature (magnifying glass).

I paid for the subscription for a few months and drew my own custom Google maps areas and color coded them red/yellow/green based on a "grade" I felt came from a few metrics like crime/average household income/etcI also really like realtors dot com new maps, if you search for an address and click on the map and then go to the top left and choose the Value slider it will give you a nice color coded map of which areas of a neighborhood are higher valued.

I'm happy to make a recommendation if you're OK with a CPA that is based in another market.

I am currently based in Canada and am looking to embark on my real estate investment journey in the United States, specifically focusing on multifamily properties. 

As the state capital, it boasts a strong government and military presence, supported by the nearby Air Force Base.

When an appraiser is adjusting a comp to match the subject property, he or she will use an adjustment based on the difference in square footage.

To improve your approval chances, use rental income from your first property, consider co-signers, and explore lenders that use Income-Based Repayment (IBR) for student loans.

If you haven't already, take a look at this BP podcast on house hacking.

Based on that range, I have been eyeing SF's in IN and OH.

As you read these books, watch the BiggerPockets podcasts.