Is there a transition happening from an age demographic?  

It doesn't much matter what makes it the area you believe in:  population growths, demographics, geography, cash-flow, appreciation potential, etc. but you have the start there.  

I stumbled onto a site called neighborhoodscout.com, that for a subscription, would give me data about the area such as crime, demographics, real estate, school and other trending data.Does anyone have experience with this site?  

IMHO when intending to buy and hold you look at long term demographic drivers - population, employment, school quality, low availability of land...

If this was a deal or a nice Multi there would not be a seller looking to bail and finance it.the Multi sector is red hot for quality assets as has been posted.I suspect this is a semi ghetto slumlord situation with a ton of deferred maintenance and really tough tenant demographic

MF thing myself.I've talked to a couple of investors and they've said that, depending on the area, MF's can attract a "rougher" demographic as well.

@Alex SilangIMO you shouldn't get too caught up on the stats and demographics but rather focus on the team you establish on the ground.These guys will either make or brake your investments.

I have found some crazy demographic trends in central PA.

What is the best way to get data on these surrounding apartment buildings in terms of vacancy rate, rents, demographics, etc?  

Population change since 2000: -1.5% Read more: http://www.city-data.com/city/Scranton-Pennsylvania.html#ixzz4AebIrzXFI use city-data for a lot of statistical/demographic analysis and then I go after specific on other portals with more recent and selective data (like crime reports etc.)