Things like population growth, job growth, and nearby amenities, school availability and goodness, public transportation, and retail development are all important. 

I did some calling around to different counties to see if I could obtain the list prior to it being posted publically, and some counties said I could purchase it beforehand, and other counties said I could not. 

When I go to the public records, I see mortgage loan types; confused about how I can find homes sold with no mortgages?

Brainlsit a long list of non-discrimnatory quesitons and see where the conversation goes.

I'm curious to know if they've built in any clauses to mitigate a non-owner occupied investment.

State government people are often happy to help because that's what they're there for after all.

We are a young family (2 kids) so good public schools in a nice safe area is important.

I'm new but being mentored by a broker who did hundreds if not thousands of BPOs through the crash (broker price opinion, sort of like a non-official appraisal for bank foreclosure and other purposes) and really knows the value of adjustments and when to draw the "not comparable" line.

As soon as one is late give them notice to non renew.

It's a non-starter for your Mexico place.