Using GIS (or other sftware) to pinpoint attractive neighborhood.

[Will Carson]

Hey there.  I'm new to all of this, but trying to learn as much as possible and position myself to find that first deal ASAP.

Bear with me here.

I'm looking for a robust program which will allow me to enter a smattering of criteria and parameters, then will allow me to view a ranked list of results.  For example, I want to be able to select things like:

• Within 15 minute walk of university
• No violent crime
• Average income level
• Average education
• Within 1 hour drive of international airport
• Public transportation options
• Flood plains
• Other natural disaster risk
• Nearby restaurants/chains
• etc.
• etc.
• etc.

Then, I want to be able to see the counties in the state that offer the most matches, then I want to be able to view individual towns and neighborhoods that meet the criteria, and have them ranked.

Then, my plan is to set up alerts on Zillow, Trulia, etc. and ask my agent friends to keep an eye out for properties becoming available in these specific areas.  Of course, then I will look at each one individually and begin the process of analyzing the property itself.

Now, in college, about 6 years ago, I took an intro to GIS course.  I haven't touched GIS since then, and would need to relearn all of it.  If memory serves, it's a very complicated and robust software that is difficult and time consuming to learn.  However, it almost certainly can perform everything I mentioned above when operated by a knowledgeable person.

I'm wondering if:

1. Have any of you used GIS in such a way?  
   1. How hard would it be to learn?
   2. How much of an advantage do you think GIS offers?
2. Is there another software or website option that could perform the tasks I mentioned above? 

The filters on Trulia, Zillow, etc. aren't robust or customizable enough to meet all these requirements, from what I can tell.

Your input would be greatly appreciated!

-Will