Best way to analyze an area for investing?

[Josh Barnett]

What is a good way or tool to analyze an area (crime, schools, cost of living, real estate laws, taxes) to narrow down the area I want to invest in?

Background:

I am new to BP and real estate investing and I'm starting out by listening to the podcasts and reading the forum.  I'm in the military and stationed overseas.  When I come back to the states in a year and a half, I plan on buying my first house for myself and additional real estate for long term investment property. 

I do not know where the Army will send me when I leave Korea, but the areas that would be my top 5 are: (no particular order)

Fort Eustis, VA

Fort Carson, CO

Fort Hood, TX

Fort Lee, VA

Fort Lewis, WA

There is method to my top 5 based on the job I need next, the areas that I like, and the probability of staying at that location for an extended duration (need 6 years stability).  They all have pros and cons, but I want to weigh in with analysis based on real estate investing in order to chose an order or make a better decision.