Your time here will be well spent.Your profile is empty and there is no mention of a specific REI area of interest, so, I added the below links from three of the most popular niches for your selection of one or all.https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/01/31/ultimate-beginners-guide-real-estate-wholesaling-2/ (Ultimate beginners guide to wholesaling)http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/01/07/flipping-houses/ (step by step guide to flips) http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/02/22/buying-rental-property/ (how to buy a rental property)Now that you have made the move, below are some links that will help with the navigation of the site. http://www.biggerpockets.com/startherehttp://www.biggerpockets.com/meethttps://www.biggerpockets.com/alertsHow to Use @Mentions on BiggerPocketshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/ruleshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/termshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/inviteshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/perkshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/categorieshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/courses/a-beginners-introduction-to-real-estate-investing (video courses)https://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investing (Ultimate beginner's guide to REI)Before your 1st purchase, please ensure you visit the below link for some tips.https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/12/19/real-estate-investing-success-smart-tips/REI books suggested by BPershttps://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/11/13/7-real-estate-books-beginner-investors/(7 absolute must read books for beginner REIs)http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/04/14/best-real-estate-books/?

I am in the midst of compiling data on Albany, Troy, and Watervliet.

Whatever you do, do NOT buy off on the brokers flyer with data.

If you're going to wholesale, you need to have a knowledgeable real estate agent on your team or access to sufficient data to run your own comps.

Ensure to vet them heavily along with the area and product and do visit the place.

You have good instincts.Step one of screening is to verify all data on your application is FACT. 

Zillow's historical data is pretty accurate.

Im not sure there is any data point you can look at to better understand a transitioning, or gentrifying neighborhood.  

Sorry Jeff, you'll have to puke all the data again =(But if you go through the same place they will know ya and have answers to a lot of the questions that pop up!

I was wondering if anyone had experience with them and would be willing to share (*ahem) some strategies.I'm also unclear on what needs to happen after a purchase to clean up the title and ensure there are not other liens...