becoming familiar with a new area using the internet.

what would be the best way to become familiar with a new area that i am considering doing investments in? i live in brooklyn ny and i am extremeley limited to capitol. i will more easily be able to do smaller cheaper deals somewhere nearby like trenton nj or newark nj. i know people are flipping down there but i am not familiar with the areas at all. i have alot of experiance working in the philadelphia market and dont mind to commute but i know down the road i will become to busy to do it on a regular basis and will lose focus. i like to be very hands on and would not consider doing investments somewhere im not able to drive to on any given day just to check on things.

thanks for all your input.