You'll be paying that in the form of higher energy prices and higher prices on anything you buy that is made with or transported via fossil fuel powered machines or vehicles (production machines, trucks, trains, airplanes, etc).

I am wondering if anyone has bought property in the area or knows anything about the town as far as schools, transportation, crime, taxes, etc.

There isn't good public transport outside the loop.

There is lots of growth in the Charlotte area, and Charlotte city counsel is putting an emphasis on making more dense housing a possibility, and getting our public transportation system more robust.

Look at the close proximity to major city and transportation.  

Learn the ins and out of those neighborhoods:- what blocks are good/which are bad-what school districts do I need to be in/is school district even important for the neighborhood -how's the homes access to jobs, transportation, amenities, etc-do you have any anchors-like a university, major company, hospital, etc--- WHO IS YOUR RENTAL POOLMy overall point is to just begin thinking much more local... particularly since you're just beginning. 

Combined they allow the state to completely override the city of San Diego's ability to set density limits or height limits within 1/4 mile of public transport.

Many tenants in city apts do not have cars therefore easy access to public transport, shopping, dining etc is important.

As I'm sure you know, that area has good public transportation available and is a straight shot into Center City for jobs.

Really might be worth having a Rott trainer come out and explain what is needed to the other owner as a free consult to keep them enclosed.