Please help walk me through a city/neghborhood analysis

[David Morrow]

Several of the sources I've read talk about analysis of a community, but I haven't yet found a newbie's step-by-step guide. So, as an excercise I am attempting to analyze the area surrounding 15021 Tesoro Dr, Corpus Christi, TX 78418 with my the rudimentary knowledge I have acquired so far, and would like your help, BP, to learn how to interpret the info I have and where to go for more. Here's what I know:

The city of Corpus Christi has a 3-yr apprciation rate of 5.9%
The city of Corpus Christi has a 1-yr apprciation rate of 6.7%
Zillow predicts that the neighborhood will appreciate at 7.4% in the next year.
The house is on an island, so expansion is limited but has not yet capped as there are still vacant lots scattered in this area.
This address is in the best school district of the metro area
The city experienced 10% net population growth 2000-2010
The city's two main college campuses had a combined enrollment of over 22000 students in 2011.
The city's top ten employers are in the sectors of military, education, health care, contruction, government, and grocery (local grocery chain headquartered there)
The house is a 3 bed 2 bath, which is on the small side of avg for this area.

What more what YOU need to know before deciding to invest in this area?

[Bill Ham]

I didn't see anyone answer your question on the price of single family homes when considering buying rentals.

This is important because if the home prices are low enough, a mortgage payment will compete with monthly rent. If rent is as much as a mortgage payment then a certian portion of the population will buy instead of renting. If SF homes go up in price then the morgage payment will be greater than rent and the rental market strengthens.