By this time my eyes are pretty well-trained to analyze a property.

But I've seen it with my own two eyes that t can work.

If you network in the neighborhoods, you usually find some retired folks that still live there, and like to be your secret eyes in the neighborhood.

Getting a third party inspector on your team is important to serve as your eyes and ears on the ground.  

I would keep a close eye on the immigration policies which would influence prices much more than the 15% tax.

It has opened my eyes to the different ways we spend and save our money and I hope to learn more from the current book I'm reading.

But I am trying to keep an eye on the market.Down payment is doable wish cash that I saved and partnering with my mother-in-law.

There is a group specifically for women in real estate as well.They do offer discounts though out the year on the sign up fee (or at least they did when I signed up), so you may inquire or keep your eyes open for those. 

Naturally my eyes have been on Noda, Midwood etc and I have been watching the Meck County zoning board rezone building left and right for other developers.  

In particular, I'm curious about what to look for as a first-time home buyer with an eye on investing (specifically if you live in California) and out-of-state investing advice including how to research and what to look for when prospecting a state/county/neighborhood you know nothing about?