There are probate, pre-foreclosure and divorce information available to the public.

Since I really don't know much about the railroad industry, the first thing I would do is research what (if any) regulations exist regarding what can be transported via train through residential areas.Not only do you have the concern of kids playing on the tracks, but the potential of derailment with hazardous or flammable materials. 

If there were a problem with taking a picture of a house from a public street and posting it on the Internet, then Google Street View would be in a lot of trouble.I'm guessing that the agent doesn't want to be bothered showing the house but put the sign there to appear to be making an effort.

Great job people, like seeing community involvement as that is where you will meet other like minded folks.My community gigs began in 82 and have been active until a few years ago:Coached Little LeagueDid volunteer tax returns for seniorsSang Bass in the choirTreasurer of large men's groupVolunteered with American Red Cross, Disaster Relief, Damage assessmentsBoard of Directors of Habitat for Humanity affiliateBoard of Directors, Ozark Literacy CouncilBoard of Directors Community Housing Assistance & DevelopmentAppointed as Commissioner, Springfield Public Housing AuthorityAppointed as Chairman of Rehabilitation and Redevelopment Committee of City long range planning commissionVictims Violence Center Volunteer Executive Director of Non-Profit Housing Organization teaching homeownership skillsOzarks Greenways, volunteered at lake clean ups (thanks Bob) I'm sure I missed some I know, but those in RE should be involved in their market, you are not only helping others you are shaping the market you're active in, it pays great dividends.

Transport issues, rental restrictions, resale restrictions, etc. 

Code pt. 1450, govern the business of real estate brokerage in Illinois.The Act, as amended, defines a real estate “broker” as an individual, partnership, limited liability company, corporation, or registered limited liability partnership other than a real estate salesperson or leasing agent who, whether in person or through any media or technology, for another and for compensation, or with intention or expectation of receiving compensation, either directly or indirectly:(1) Sells, exchanges, purchases, rents, or leases real estate.(2) Offers to sell, exchange, purchase, rent, or lease real estate.(3) Negotiates, offers, attempts, or agrees to negotiate the sale, exchange, purchase, rental, or leasing of real estate.(4) Lists, offers, attempts, or agrees to list real estate for sale, lease, or exchange.(5) Buys, sells, offers to buy or sell, or otherwise deals in options on real estate or improvements thereon.(6) Supervises the collection, offer, attempt, or agreement to collect rent for the use of real estate.(7) Advertises or represents himself or herself as being engaged in the business of buying, selling, exchanging, renting, or leasing real estate.(8) Assists or directs in procuring or referring of leads or prospects, intended to result in the sale, exchange, lease, or rental of real estate.(9) Assists or directs in the negotiation of any transaction intended to result in the sale, exchange, lease, or rental of real estate.(10) Opens real estate to the public for marketing purposes.(11) Sells, leases, or offers for sale or lease real estate at auction.

Meet new clients in public places first, and then go to a showing.

Valuation of property management business are difficult, especially with the lack of public comparables available. 

@Garrett Hawk- When you do syndications, never ever talk about cash-on-cash returns in a public forum like this. 

Where I live, public property records are an easy 30-second search on the Assessor's website.