Other things to look for in either scenario, but potentially even more so for flipping, are things like the walkability of the area (can people walk to things like bars, restaurants, coffee, school, is it very hilly or is it a pleasant stroll), ratio of owner/occupants to renters in the area (people like to buy where everyone else buys, not in high rental areas), street noise (people like to have easy access to the highway, not be underneath it), etc.Of course, while internet research is hugely beneficial, a great way to know if a property is a good bet is to visit it and tour the town yourself.

I work a full-time job in the restaurant industry, which I would love to get away from because I would like to spend more time at home.

This has made it so hard to relate to friends who just want to talk corporate work stuff, or who want to talk about the latest restaurants they've been at, etc.  

At the age 24 I had acquired and ran my own restaurant but I am now real estate investing full time.I am opportunist, seeking deals daily.Real estate ExperienceGrowing up in family who owned several multi family propertiesI have taken many courses to enrich my Real Estate platform.Created a Rent to Own CompanyWithin the past eight months I have done 15 JV deals - 22 doorsReal Estate GoalsMy real estate goal for this year, it to acquire 20 more doors by December.Currently seekingSeeking Qualified JV partners for multi-unit cash flowing rental properties.Private lenders or Hard money lenders, who will lend to Canadians to puchrase properties in the States. 

I run a profitable restaurant in a two-story commercial building.

However, the people moving to the community without ties are teachers (we had a bunch retire these last few years), an attorney, medical professional, mechanic, manager of assisted living facility, restaurant owner, carpenter, etc. on top of those other professions. 

restaurants / service industries? 

Besides main residences and restaurant/bar/retai­l I've done many investment properties that have been made rentals or sold for profit.

Let's chat sometime--I can at least point out some decent local "southern food" restaurants

I learned to cook because the foods I liked are expensive in restaurants.