What are the most important socioeconomic indicators to pay attention to when researching an area suitable for rehabbing houses?

Pay attention to properties that are being sold and how much they are going for.

But I also don't want to be too communicative about it -- If you bullhorn a "look at me" post, it's going to attract some attention, both positive and negative.

But, being this will be my first project I believe I will need more "hand holding" throughout the process(especially being OOS) and every agent I've worked with is so busy with their own projects, and other clients that are bringing them commission checks with much less "attention", that a new investor needs on that first project.

I used the details from my contractor to create a rough work up of what needs attention.

Better yet, pay attention, figure out what he needs and either do it or often to do it.

Zip codes and areas that I should place close attention to and ones to avoid!

@Mark Rogers  I sent in a rather sappy email myself in hopes it would garner attention.   

I am paying more attention to their job and if they faced layoffs. 

I'm also new to OOS investing and decided to focus my attention to Indianapolis as well.