Tax preparation is largely unregulated - anyone can hang a shingle and call themselves a "tax professional".  

Look to see what, if any new businesses are located there (job growth).Then I take a look if they are in a major transportation hub.

I live super close to the light rail and public transportation.

Deals are still possible there, it's close to public transportation and a lot of the renters getting priced out of SF will head there first before they come down to the South Bay.Let me know if you have any more questions :)

Much of it is 50 years old and may be 900sf 2/1s with a carport, but still, the returns can be pretty good here... especially with rental rates increasing faster than values.I keep my searches close to the US41 corridor as it's easier to rent out those properties near public transportation and whatnot.

I haven't thought about this for too long, so I'm not sure of exactly what type of property and price point I'd be aiming for, but something like a triplex or quad for 450k or under within an hour's commute to midtown by some type of public transportation.

Stress proximity to NCSU and other known amenities, transportation options, parking availability, etc.

Location is not inherently bad if you get the right value on the property and have the right expectation for the property and its tenants.Being close to a highway is good for some tenants (transportation ease) and bad for others (noise, view).

How close to major transportation or major roadways?

Economy is built on transportation and distribution and is built around the 2nd largest cargo airport in the world.