Maybe I'm weird, but I actually kinda like doing research LOL. Research for stories, that is. Fun research. I think of it like a quest, a quest for information!
LMAO no but really, it's like a mission, and the more specific it is, the more determined I am to find what I'm looking for.
As far as places go, it really does depend on what kind of info you're looking for. I use a lot of Wikipedia, Google image search for maps, Mapquest and Google Maps, Google Earth... Those are good for the physical aspects of a place. As far as the "feel" of a place, that's a lot harder. Maybe you could see if you can find someone from Brooklyn or who knows Brooklyn well who you could ask questions. Maybe a thread on LD; I'm sure there are some people there who could help you.