My favorite areas being Georgia, Florida, the Carolinas or Tennessee.I would look in areas with rising population, employment and hh income. 

When you go to dry wall I would 100% pay the extra money for your favorite "concrete" board. 

I always take a trip to see the property, walk the neighborhood and met the people involved before I commit any money.

Definitely take a trip out here to explore the city before you invest. 

My favorite (again, in my market) is Zillow.

I found it on google maps and it does lie within 78205, but there are no listings or past sales in 78299.I'd agree with @Chuck Gafford and say the best option would be to make a trip to determine your own opinions or find someone who knows the area since those zips are both very different areas.  

I’m taking a trip out of state this week to look at properties and set up my team (agent, PM, contractors, etc...)I’m packing and working through how I’m going to keep notes straight, how I can utilize the same tools I have on my computer when I’m analyzing deals at home online but I want to attempt to get the same results on my phone or iPad without having to lug my laptop to every meeting and property etc...So what apps do you use and how to you keep track of notes while you’re “out in the field”?

He turns photos next day (given he has access that soon) and is usually a flat $60, but will charge less for apartments if he is shooting multiple units on the same trip.

My locksmith charges a $45 trip charge; don't know what your rates are up there but less than $100 sounds like money well spent.

One of my favorite posts is why you should not get into the credit card game.