In the realm of real estate it is very good to have a great grasp on the local market, which can come easily from living within that area.

I'm also in Barre and have a good grasp on the local market here.

As of now I am looking to make my first purchase in the next couple of months, but before that I would like to get a lay of the land, and a firm grasp of what investors are looking and the hotspots to go to as well as the neighborhoods to stay away from.

Please take your time to get to know this site, and try to post constructive comments or at the very least express yourself in a more professional and comprehensive manner than leaving a two line condemnation for something you don't quite grasp.

Optimize opportunities To those who don’t speak it, the legal and tax side of real estate investing can seem impenetrable and its ideas too complex to grasp.

I have a full time Job in Health care but also work part time as a Realtor and have a really good grasp of my local market. 

You don't know the market, don't seem to have a grasp on rehabs and don't seem to have a team in the area. 

Just read right here on BP to get a firm grasp of just about any topic.

Yes I agree with above comments, get involved with REIA groups to get a good grasp of the market.

A better strategy is to buy right and that will take more research and due diligence including gaining a grasp of the unique attributes of the neighborhood you select.