That way you can see what amenities are offered as well compared to your place.

For example, I understand that Chicago investors have targeted Milwaukee for cash flow properties because purchase prices where 1/3 and rents were comparably higher. 

You need to do a Total of Payment Calculation for both terms and rates and compare it to your strategy about holding the property.

This is a huge difference and makes all the difference when comparing RE as an asset class to equities.Am I stating the obvious or is this often not considered in public discourse on the returns on RE investment properties?

Is there somebody out there with properties in both South Carolina and North Carolina (specially Charlotte and surrounding areas) that would be able to compare the property taxes from each state.

That way, you're not just comparing apples to apples, but red delicious apples to red delicious apples.

That is why the 65 unit facility is relatively cheap compared to something similar say in California.  

The renters would be able to save a considerable amount on their bills with that unit compared to gas.

Say you want to compare triplex units.

The Kalamazoo market offers a lot more interesting cash flow opportunities compared to my current market in Colorado.