Since you're also interested in investing I'd look at things like % of rentals and vacancy rates (if you'received thinking buy and hold), DOM and % of list as well as % of expireds (if you're thinking flips), as well as economic factors (major employers, age brackets in neighbors) and level of stability there, quality of school system (include charter and privates, if applicable), and walkability of neighborhoods.

It's a standout charter with a relatively short history.  

Louis University, Washington University, Charter Communications, Olin Corporation, Korte Construction Company, Lambert-St.

Most newbies in real estate are getting better returns than the expert CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst which you find on wall street) on a yearly basis.I am a Finance student and this is what I study all day long. 

They are the largest chartered member of the National REIA in South Florida!

Sadly, most schools in those areas are not so good, so proper marketing would, in my estimation, rely on making parents aware of other school options (typically charter schools).  

Last Thursday, we deposited a $17K bank draft (issued by another chartered bank) from my in-law's RRSP account plus a $10,500 0% credit card cheque to cover the $10,000 we would use to hold the property.

I have taken a bit of a hiatus from a lot of the flying side of things and am in a managerial position right now, but the free time that comes with a lot of charter gigs and being freed up to pursue RE investing is very alluring.  

Simply compare REITs on a yearly basis to a direct real estate index that indexes the large, multibillion-dollar funds where the properties are required in their charter to be appraised on a yearly basis.

You'll want to stay with banks with a national charter, so you'll be dealing with mortgage bankers who will equally have a national NMLS allowing them to lend in every state the bank does.You're right, if you stick with one lender who can secure your information and create applications for you for every property and every state, your purchasing and refinancing will be much more efficient.