Are they a registered MLO lender with a good track record and references.Red flag watch out for hefty fees upfront and make sure they have a presence in your area 

If I had 15k budget to spend in the next 3-4 months I would spend it on building a top notch internet presence.

I will not pretend this was a pure aberration of capricious fate, that there were zero indications beforehand that racist white trash that hates Jews, black people, and immigrants has a widespread presence in my area.

Offer out the incentive for those who go above and beyond but its also important have a presence at the property (or property management) for those who don't respect the property or the other tenants.  

This will better help you get an understanding of not just where market is today, but also where it may be heading.Note that the sub-market selection will have more of an impact on price as well as investment performance than the city itself, this being smaller locals that compose a larger macro market. 

In terms of investing in properties its great and the real estate market never really takes a hit in Hampton Roads due to the large millitary presence.

The presence of such retailers ensures we compare affluent neighborhood nationwide.We can use census data (PM me for ref) to determine the areas that are growing the fastest over the period 2000-2015 and then see for each MSA in which postcode those retailers are located.Using Zillow home value data by postcode, it is then possible to retrieve the median price and rent per sqft and figure out the gross rental yield in those most attractive areas.

The other tenants shouldn't be forced to live with an animal if they find the odor or presence offensive, are allergic, etc.

I keep telling myself im going to make my presence here felt and known more.

Any big company moving HQ probably still has to keep a large office presence here as talent is scarce.