by Radulla
The Science Building is the strongest choice in most situations. Late game clues are crucial to a seal victory, and darned useful for any other ending.Strategic Blessings are very powerful. Remember that an Investigator does not have to Bless themselves; they may Bless any Investigator. (We say "Light a candle for...".) It is often more useful to Bless the Investigator who has just entered Rl'yeh than one standing at the South Church.
Everyone should get to be the Deputy at least once. It's fun. It can be useful for Investigators with low top Speeds, or in a weapons poor game.
The Curiosity Shop and the General Store are, of course, vital; more so the Curiosity Shop, but the General Store can be very helpful if Magic Resistance and Immunity are becoming problems.
Ye Olde Magick Shoppe is useful for the Dunwich Horror Expansion character Marie Lambeau to pass her Personal Story from the Innsmouth Expansion. Maybe for Dexter Drake if he has surplus time and nothing to do. There is also the situation where you know the GOO is going to awaken, and the Terror Track is six or more, leaving YOMS as the only place to buy some offense.
Ma's Boarding House can be used to pass the "The Stars Are Right" Rumor Mythos, as well several personal Stories. And Allies are very nice assets on their own. But really, why wouldn't you be over at the Science Building for four clues or South Church for two Blesses instead?
I have used the River Docks twice in the ninety-five games I have played. I've seen it used perhaps five times total. However, the last time I used it was to pass the vicious "Mad Bomber" Rumor Mythos from the Dunwich Expansion, and it was well worth it.
Administration can be useful to beef up an ineffective character, and can be very good indeed for Lola Hayes from the Kingsport Expansion, but for the most part, if you have eight dollars, why aren't you at the Curiosity Shop?
There are lengthy discussions of Bank Loans elsewhere. I'm generally not a fan.
Since my group uses the Dunwich Horror Expansion Injury and Madness cards, and mostly use a "drive 'til you drop" strategy, Arkham Asylum and St. Mary's are more places we are sent than places we go.
So my vote? Science Building. But use the South Church, too.