Looking to make first investment purchase in Syracuse, NY

Hi all! My wife and I are starting to get serious about investing in our first rental property! We currently live in the Utica area, and are looking to invest in the Syracuse and Utica area. We have begun educating ourselves as much as possible by reading, listening to podcasts and attending all the great webinars on BP! 

At this point we are starting to look for an investor friendly agent & property managers in the Syracuse area. Any recommendations would be very much appreciated! As well as any helpful tips as far as getting started in this area (best neighborhoods, etc.). We would be looking for rental properties.

We look forward to meeting all of you, and learning as much as possible!!!