What are the best tools for market analysis?

[Gary Dezoysa]

I have the luxury of being able to relocate anywhere in the country for real estate investment. I'm thinking the best place to go would be one that conforms to the 2% rule and still has appreciation potential down the line. 

Does anyone have some good tips on how to do proper market research? I'm not sure where to find the data to do the proper analysis over large areas.

[Anna Shaver]

@Gary Clisele   On city-data you can look at the crime, population, median property value, household income for the area.  It is a starting point.  Rentometer.com is also helpful.  You can look at crime maps on neighborhoodscout.com.  On Trulia you can see the schools ratings for the neighborhoods and the crime.  I am not sure how accurate the crime information is but it can rule out areas that are a definite no.  I don't know if these sites are based on monthly numbers or a yearly avg and also how old is the data.  I would be curious to know if anyone has more knowledge.