Best way to tell about an area is visit it, you can also talk to local realtors and ask them about how the rental market is there. you may be able to research it online and even find out what the average rent is for the area. 

Well I was born and raised in Bakersfield, and although I wouldn't be scared to visit the area I would be scared to invest in the area.

The other was a more random attorney on a web site.Thanks and I shall update.      

I am planning a visit to the US in the coming weeks with the aim to meet up with people who may by potential partners in Jacksonville FL, Memphis TN, and Pittsburgh PA.

Visit their store in person and speak to the manager - tell them you are staging.

@Nick Harringtonthank you for this. the numbers didn't work on that property but i just received another call from a direct mailing who also asked to me call their realtor. i had no clue this was illegal so good looking out. i do have someone coaching me and he called the realtor on this one with me and instructed me to go visit the other property with a realtor. he never mentioned that it was illegal. 

I've been using the same two page contract to tie up millions of dollars of real estate for years.... 

Out of the 8 people that I have visited 2 have been listed with a real estate agent. 4 were vacant. 1 person answered the door but the owner will return on the date of the foreclosure. 1 daughter answered. 

Also consider that full time income does not mean that someone has a job that doesn't allow them to take calls and visit properties during business hours.

I have analyzed and visited couple properties around DT Whittier area.