Went to school there and keep an eye on there. 

Any recommendations for good online RE school would be really appreciated.

Real estate has always been in the back of my mind, but between finishing grad school and starting a family, REI was just not on the radar. 

4)What schools are the best in my area?

The days you are not busy doing real estate stuff you should plan on being at a kids ball game, a pancake breakfast at the local Lions club, a school play that you donated $50 for, getting your car washed at a local fundraiser by the soccer team, volunteering at a local chicken BBQ, taking your dog to agility classes and meeting people etc etc.

I've been fascinated with REI since I became an appraiser out of high school in 2002 and have been dying to get started since, but always convinced myself I didn't have the capital to do it.

School ratings, Crime, Class of neighborhoods, average annual income, percentage of rentals, types of rental properties (SFR, Duplex, Triplex, 4plex, Apartments), rental rates for each type (1 BR, 2 BR, 3 BR ...)

I also went to school in Lubbock which is just exploding right now and still pretty cheap to buy.

I think there was a handful that applied before school started but now that window has closed.

It is a growing state school that recently had millions invested.