Speaking of which, is there a certain reputation level I should try to achieve?
Not necessarily, usually if the rep says Loving, than that's it. You can always turn it to a 100 though if you want. It has a bit of... impact on some cases and events if you're wondering (depending on which mob you have a high rep for)
thanks again!
If you have yet to complete the bandits story in the beginning getting them to 100 has a special scene at the track.