If so, make sure to visit/know of the grocery stores, restaurants, things to do, etc around the area even if just driving by.

The first neighborhood I would look at is anything next to infrastructure - if it has grocery stores, malls, gas stations.

I'm not crazy about the big box stores as they seem to charge too much. 

And finally, while there are likely some pro accounts that will only give you discounts if you are licensed, most will let anyone sign up, and are often based on volume spent at that store anyways.

Again, the BiggerPockets store has some books on this topic, or you can learn about it by watching podcasts, reading blogs, and interacting on the forum.

What if you stuck with your job making pizzas at Domino's and worked your way up to owning a store, then another, then another?

There are some people coming back because there's a segment of the population who love living in the city and being walking distance to restaurants, stores etc. 

I tried using the promo code in the store, and it could not apply the promo code. 

The point of going into real estate is either as a store of value or to make money--you make money primarily through value add--of which the simplest path is rehabs-go with an easy one while you learn the process.  

To replace the roof on a home with solar panels, to maintain the solar panel warranty, you will need to use their company to remove the panels, store them safely during roof work, and then use their company to replace the panels and make sure they are working again.