I've driven the area, viewed homes with my agent and ran numbers.

Character pieces are great and I definitely recommend picking up some things that will help set your property apart and give it more appeal, but unless you want to spend a lot more time than it sounds like you do, that shouldn't be your focus.  

I have driven there for client meetings in the past but depending on the circumstances a phone call or other means is sometimes easier. 

Demand is mostly driven by demographics.

Demo permitThe demo was done by a local guy, he is an interesting character.  

Get the app deal driven just signed up for the free trial today and it is a pretty cool tool.

What should I prioritize more: the experience in the market or the character and trustworthiness of my potential partner?

No, I'm sure you didn't, please don't bother to explain or claim you did, your character has been established in my mind.

The important thing to remember is the entity decision should not be driven by a single factor, rather a combination of legal, tax, ownership, and control issues.

I’m sure we have all driven by an empty lot and a few years later see a new development built on it, and wonder to ourselves, “I should’ve bought that” or “I could’ve built that.”