Market analysis

[Chris Rey]

Hello again BiggerPocketers,

So I'm taking the first steps and looking to buy a multifamily in an area I am not too familiar with. Its not too far from me so I can definitely go out there and scope it out but I'm a little more OCD about these things and need hard data.

My question:

Are there any companies(ideally free) that can provide information on areas such as percentage of renters in a particular area and how much they are paying?

Any help is appreciated.

-Christian