However our local PD departments provide crime data that tracks traffic violations, sex offenders, police reports, break ins, assault etc.

How do you see the retail real estate market changing?  

Honestly i think this happens because people buy their primary residence at retail or very close to it.

@Mark Ferguson  could be.. or if they just happen to be travelling and hear it on the radio in some other market and think  HEY I will try that.You can speak better to this than I can since I have been out of the retail game for so many years...

The wholesaler route is much more educational in that regard.I see many investors who go the realtor route and get sucked up in the retail sales and "full price" side of things. 

I'm an experienced real estate investor and developer mostly with a focus on Hudson County, NJ...mix of condo development, retail and multifamily. 

Why not go to a retail store in your area that sells plumbing supplies and ask them?

And its somewhat market driven.. like @Christopher Brainard was talking about I suspect he did a flip that was north of 1 million or more retail.. and you would expect that kind of return..

I am consulting with a developer seeking to add approx 60 units of new construction apartments and 6k sqft of retail in that regard. 

Things have gotten better, but like any industry/retail, non-payment fees are an issue.