Though over the past year i have been doing some research.

Research and ask questions.

I am still doing a lot of research on that area's market.What are the best free websites to use (excluding CL) to search for investment properties or homes in general?

What would be your reaction if you saw indication of police activity at a property you're researching on Google Streetview?

I did do some casual research; asked the neighbors who had owned the house, why she was gone now, did she die?

My belief is that realistic goals, good preparation and careful research on the front end lead to much better outcomes over time.My main comment is on monthly cash flow.

That is worth researching. 

@Joe Delia will be helpful but remember that he not only is an investor but his full time job is being an agent and they need to make a living as well.The more self-sufficient you become in property research the easier it will be to find an 'investor friendly' agent.

Search city and county building departments, multifamily broker's research departments (such as Marcus & Millichap), multifamily lender's research departments (such as Hendricks Berkadia) apartment data providers (such as alndata.com, MPF Research, Axiometrics, Real Data, etc.)

Was just doing some BP research on the topic of vacation investment properties.