(no high end car lots, expensive restaurants, fancy clothing stores, etc.).  

It has a brand new restaurant (well known chain) with a new 20 year lease.

Just doesnt have much in the way of retail/restaurants around it now, but should in 5 or so years...however it would only take residents about 5-10 mins to get to major restaurant/retail areas.I just drove over there this evening since it's not far from my house, every finished duplex had tenants in them and the construction company/contractor that put them all in has been in business for a # of years.  

We are new to real estate investing, however, I work in the commercial development side of real estate, specifically the design, development and construction for a privately held restaurant company. 

Doctor's, gyms, hair cuts, restaurants, dry cleaners, karate schools etc.

These apartments are located just down the street from the main drag in Joplin (Wal-Mart, Target, restaurants, etc.) and they are close to some higher end apartments.

Whatever you do though don’t invest it in a restaurant unless you’ve been in it.

Account Closed have you read the story of the Mexican fisherman and the New York Bussines man? 

Along with big redevelopment plans along the river front to add bars, restaurants, duck boat tours, with the goal to turn Norristown into the younger artsy district Phoenixville has become.Now I will say Norristown is a very block-by-block town (arguably more drastic than Philly), the closer to the courthouse the better, but honestly, it's a very deal-by-deal basis.

During my visit to my area I went to local restaurants and asked staff if they knew people in the business.