I would also like to look for investment properties in Coastal NC region.
From what I've gathered from a few people I know who work for Intracoastal Realty in New Hanover County, it sounds like the housing boom is not what it was 2-3 years ago and things are starting to flatten out a bit, but there are still some great deals out there.
They also mentioned that for a while everyone was listing their homes for sale and nobody was buying, this was during the housing crises earlier last year. Now they are starting to see some buyers come into the arena again and things are starting to look a bit better.
If you can get ahold of investment property in Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, or even Kure Beach, I really feel that you have a great chance at making some money on vacation rental properties.
also I must mention I am pretty much as new as it gets when it comes to real estate and I don't have any money to invest either, so take the advice for what it is :)