I've been studying real estate investment for a few years now wow going up every day for my regular job as an auto transporter.

There are many variables to consider in this evaluation process and in addition to the things that you listed to look for (crime rate, neighbourhood appearance) here are a few more variables I would consider when assessing the an area:- Proximity to amenities (grocery stores, fitness centres)- Distance to public transit (ie. terminals and bus stops) and other transportation improvements  - Whether the neighbourhood as a whole is in transition to increase or decrease in quality - Building of new infrastructure - Moving in of a major employer One other tidbit of advice I heard recently which I thought was great is to follow the big box stores (ie. walmart).

Public transportation is much needed here in Charlotte.

Of course, only 30% of the fund will be allocated for affordable housing, and the bill is not specific what that even means. 10% will go to administration, and the remainder will go to public transportation and school districts.

The difference was never close to 10% nationwide, it never could be with land,labor,transportation,regulation and material difference. 

I've also been looking at major road projects to see what the Dept of Transportation in my state is up to.

While proximity and transportation costs are certainly valid concerns, it's crucial to also assess the overall market conditions and potential profitability in each location.You mentioned that the market in Vegas doesn't seem to be doing well at the moment.

Well, since you delegate dishwashing to your dishwasher, clothes washing to your clothes washer, feather waving to your air conditioner, transportation to your car, hauling ice to your refrigerator, cutting your lawn to your gardener, growing your food to your grocery store, shearing your sheep & weaving your clothes to the clothing store, and so on, it seems to me that you don’t have anything to do with your time already. 

The transporter/mule is not having a good day...

Look for areas with good growth potential, low crime rates, proximity to amenities (schools, shopping centers, public transportation), and potential for rental demand.