Every property is unique to some extent...if you are unfamiliar with a property, or the fundamental systems of the type of properties you are investing in, how can an app efficiently troubleshoot issues that arise?

They both have strong economic and demographic fundamentals combined with good cash flow.

Columbus' economic fundamentals are just so far above and beyond Dayton that you see substantially more appreciation really in any area. 

To climb up the corporate ladder at big corporations the fundamentals of the degree will be beneficial.

I'd agree with @Arn Cenedella above that there are fundamental economic drivers due to the proximity, jobs overlap, general political climate, that tie the two market together. 

Some of the instruction is universally applicable (figuring out who you need on you team, best practices for doing due diligence, the fundamentals of underwriting, etc.), but things some of the regulations and tax information will likely not apply. 

So I ensure that the LPs are complete morons, have some track record of success, and aren't' likely to torpedo the deal, but once I've cleared that admittedly low bar, I focus all my efforts on ensuring the fundamentals of the asset and the terms set me up for success. 

But, YOU already know: stick to YOUR fundamentals instead!

Should the system fundamentally put the interests of the real estate agent in direct conflict with those of his clients?"

Financially (Can a capitalist system even afford it) etc, etc.There is a fundamentally divide in the country with regard to approaching the issue form the aspects mentioned above.