So it was always a cluster having to hire drivers to drive cashiers checks up to Seattle to the trustee the night before the sale or the morning of..

I guess that must be a big driver in rental rates and the resultant cost of living?   

Also look for population and household growth, another 2 drivers of rent.Look at www.irem.com for management companies in a market.Good LuckGino

Its a driver .

Well, my thought has always been that we make people take a (half-assed) series of tests (written, driving) in order to get a driver's license, and I would argue that bringing another life into this world is a FAR greater responsibility than driving a 3000+ lb vehicle.

Driver around in the summer and look for lawns that are not mowed or in the winter look for snow that is not cleared. 

That much is true.I would suggest all of these Austin MSA cities have the same economic drivers.

Often a significant driver is the quality of the local school district.  

Moving in, change of address cards, driver's license for sure, he showed her the time frame was not so well defined.She ended up staying longer, 18 months so didn't test it. 

While I also come from an engineering background I'll try to answer you RE questions first :)1) economic drivers and a growing economy are very important when buying your property.