VA Beach floodzones

[Priscilla Quintana]

Hello BP! Shout out to all VA investors... hoping to gather some advice. I am looking for a SFH or Duplex in the Norfolk/Virginia Beach area to buy and hold and/or AirBNB. Preferably under 180k.

Research has let me know to avoid flood zones but i am finding that EVERYTHING is in "flood zones"! 

My question is- should I avoid flood zones at all costs and keep searching? Or should I get quotes for flood insurance and factor that into my calculations? Also, if i find a property OUTSIDE a floodzone... is it still a best practice to get flood insurance regardless as a form of protection?

The FEMA website is kind of confusing.... everything i seem to plug in shows up in the blue segments which I am guessing means its a flood zone right?

Many thanks!