is that I've imagined the culture to be cut-throat and uber-competitive.

Now we need to get the HOA culture to get rid of the idea that solar panels are unsightly. 

I'm sure it's going to be a culture shock coming from Northern California.

The latter will dictate price.We installed a couple of the less expensive 'chinese' sinks & after 3 years rusting is occurring as is wear of the 'surface stainless'.

I would recommend sitting down with each and everyone of those companies and find out where YOU fit in best with the culture and where YOU will get the help and support you need to grow.  

The President has engaged in some fiscal bullying and the Chinese are pushing back.

Long story short, I got an old Chinese slot machine and listed this guys house.

An old Chinese proverb, the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, the second best time is today.

Past cultural differences will blur a bit more and they will become more mainstream. 

Your success depends strongly on your ability to understand construction, local market forces, contractor culture, financials, and your ability to evaluate the physical conditions of properties.