For me, I want to maximize occupancy and revenue, so giving someone a discount or letting them stay for free is a big deal, reserved for my closest family members only (and not even for them during high season, when they have another option). 

The main thing they are looking at are comps that have sold the closest to the subject property and the most recent. 

One of my closest friends is from Northern NJ so I felt like I had to chime in!

I would also suggest searching out your closest Real Estate Investment Group.

I would make sure I was closest to the most cool stuff to do.

But what they won't tell you is the money being poured into it to revitalize it, since it is the closest area to UC that has not spiked in values as other neighboring areas.

As they say in Texas, all sizzle, no steak. :)  I wish I had seen this post earlier.

@Steven Wilson some of those are in Ohio and perhaps we can chat more - thanks for your detailed response.The closest thing I've found to what I'm envisioning is neighborhoodscout.com which I may decide to pay for.

The closest thing I see are luxury apartment complexes with a zillion amenities and super high HOA fees, but this caters to people who are single and in their 20's, not people with families.

I suggest taking an inventory of whatever regional / national banks are closest to your home and to your investment properties, and then start comparing and contrasting their programs.