It is like picking the perfect apple from a sea of possibilities. Use data from the census and other data aggregation sites to find out which markets meet your population growth, job growth, and demographic requirements.
Usually when networking and trying to find professionals that are well recommended you will not directly find that individual. You may not directly meet them, they might come from recommendations.
Deciding whether to work with a turnkey provider or purchasing something off the MLS or from a wholesaler is an often debated subject.
You will have to rely on your team and anyone you can reach out to about data. If you do visit the area, you should talk to locals and get an idea on what they think is going on with the neighborhood.