I think the best way to find what you really want is to drive the neighborhoods, tour a few homes with different potential strategies in mind, and let your gut instincts take over. 

I am doing some market research for my virtual tour/360 photography company aimed towards Real Estate professionals, Property managers, and Investors.

Otherwise lots of people coming for university tours, conventions at Alliant, events at The Kohl Center and concert venues like the Sylvee. 

I plan to check my out-of-state property there, along with another one under contract (hopefully one more by the time I get there), meet my locale team, visit friends, talk to investors I know online, and tour neighborhoods in Slatington, Bethlehem etc.

Start touring properties. 

I'm considering having a contractor on site with me when I go to tour the place with my agent, but wasn't sure if there is some homework I can do beforehand.

@Lantz Casey Our large, local REI community meets regularly on REI intros, strategy overviews, masterminds, live and virtual property tours. 

In such a competitive market though it will be tough to get offers accepted on MLS listed properties with "extra" contingencies and some listing agents may convey some caution to their clients if a buyer hasn't toured the property prior to offering. 

I was just in Portland but it was a whirlwind tour for a wedding.

Ask them to give you a ride around tour and have them show you the good areas and the bad.You can also use the crime maps on Trulia to get a feel for a neighborhood once you’ve located a property you’re interested in.