You're spot on with the crux of the business relying upon relationships.

I've only just started and I'm falling in love with the industry.

Typically the businesses that pay the most for the corner are a pharmacy ( CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid ), gas stations ( Race Trac, Quick Trip ) , banks ( nationals pay a premium for a great location ), restaurants  sometimes will want the corner but often they do not want to pay corner money and want to be down just a few spots and then get off traffic with easements from the corner property and a center behind them etc.

It's not going to be spot on, but it's a good place to start in making sure you're successful long term.

It's a competitive industry, but no one has ever tried to steal my deals!

I hope to buy something out there in the next few years as a vacation spot/ rental.

Brief description of my business and I, 10+ year sales and marketing professional along with a background of project management in the commercial construction industry.

You have landed in the right spot for all the information you will need to take action!

I'm very new to the real estate industry.

Nothing hardcore scary like Newark, but also not "New York pricey" like Hoboken or Jersey City.If nothing else, I'd fully explore all of these spots before taking the leap abroad!