Many people, like you, like the idea of at least investing in places they might visit, which has it's merits if you are going to be self-managing the property or just need to feel a bit more control. 

I see merits to both strategies, but I'm wondering what you guys think and have had success with.

I don't want to make this a back and forth between those that are and those that aren't Franchisees, or am I here to debate the merits of joining or not joining.  

Do you think there is merit to taking the class regardless of whether or not I pursue the license?  

My inclination would be to become a cash investor but I also see the merits of leveraging.

If I were trying to determine the relative merits of neighborhoods in a new city I'd look at income data, employment data, and crime data.

Right now my personal debt to income ratio and cash in the bank won't allow me to get another loan unless I can get a loan based on the merits of the property.

There have been no complaints against myself from either the first roommate or the landlord, officially or otherwise which would give any merit to a restraining order of any kind.

Would this apply here because our dues from the rental are split in 1/3rds, so one would assume we all own 1/3 of this unit and her equity holds no merit?

Bet on number 7 in the second race if you live across from the track....No really.....One oddball I have read in a couple of books and even online (here and elsewhere) that may have some merit is juding a potential property/tenants by their vehicles....( not the only metric for sure but just one observable factor of many to consider along with all the other data points and best practices).If the place you are looking at has a bunch of older inefficient, beater cars in the lot, this may be a management issue (leaking oil, immobile cars, unsightly) AND also eating up the tenants monthly paychecks in repairs, fuel, etc.