I am doing some research on the market in my area which is the NY/NJ tri-state area to determine smaller demographics that are best places to invest in at the moment.

What is the job growth, the population growth, the demographics, the ability of your potential renters to buy,  etc.Real Estate is local and National Projections, while encouraging at this time, have a limited value on the projection of the local market.

Kevin first thing you would need to do is look at frequency of location.So based on population levels and demographic and median incomes for rural, suburban, and urban core businesses will space out stores accordingly.

Their information, whether demographic, zoning, future neighborhood projects, or whatever, is usually being updated on a daily if not hourly basis.

Talk about a vase difference in topography, pace and demographics!  

Population Demographics Tenant Type (A,B,C,D,F) Acceptable Rents & Average Home Purchase Prices Market Industries & Development Determine Major Industries supporting population Research new builders coming into area Leverage RSS feeds and Google Alerts to get updates Investment Criteria Based on Demographics and Market Research determine IDEAL Buy & Hold and Flip Criteria Questions: How to the Pros perform market analysis?

@Johnny Horner Depends on how small town and the demographic.

@Jeremy Salo A realtor can also print demographic reports for specific locations your considering too.

I know I have to look at the demographics (suggest me a good website for that) but is there anything else?

I'm thinking ill need it to cover Excel, Basic Accounting, Macroeconomics, demographics & possibly investment specific market analysis.