I'm debating on if I should try to buy out of my back yard or if I should try in Ohio where my wife's family lives. either way I don't really know how to evaluate the market yet so if any has any book suggestions I'd be very grateful. 

I first contacted a highly regarded property management company who then suggested a great investment focused real estate team to work with.

Rezone it, obtain site plans and permit to build the facility, and flip it with the approved plans.

If you decide to use a separate company, I would suggest that you have your CPA review the books after 1-2 months.It is better to make sure the books after being done correctly from the start.If he doesn't review it until after 12 months, and there are issues, it will likely need to be redone or take more time to have the issues fixed.Best of luck

It's difficult to ascertain an accurate metric of the total quantity of overall oceanfront properties in Oregon (any suggestions) but my best guess is that there are 800-1000 actual SFR homes?  

@Mathuw Chandler   I would suggest getting an "Energy Audit". 

My best suggestion before buying property and listening to anyone, including myself, is for you to drive to the prospective neighborhoods and spend some time there and make that decision for yourself whether or not that area is safe to your standards.  

Here is a site I have used for this kind of information... http://transactionalfundingfl.com/Hope it helps, some sites claim to offer "no fee funding" I seriously wonder though...

I am a single female and cannot drive since I grew up in NYC, so I'd like to get suggestions for safe neighborhoods near public transportation.

I would suggest looking in areas that are in close proximity to hospitals, universities, and transportation hubs.