The only time I may avoid the credit check is if it's someone's kid and they are in high school or college still.

And they knew you from high school. 

I studied mechanical engineering and will likely be going back to school this fall for industrial engineering.

You can check out the best and worst school districts, demographics, livability of the neighborhood.

I forced my Partners who were still old school to utilize their Smart phones better.

its just old school .. just because that is what they know and are used to.

I've had an interest in real estate since I was in high school, after I read Rich Dad Poor Dad (sound familiar?).

At an extra $80/month taken away from my capex, that would help mostly townhomes, in the area that’s attactive with shops and good schools, look more appealing then the ~$140/month cash flow i would be looking at without that factored it.

I generally focus on areas with good schools. 

I will say that Aviston is my personal residence after I did due diligence in 2010; it's a fast-growing small town with a rising median income and a lot of development with a great school district (the elementary school is quite new and well-regarded).