From there I would also expand my search to Summerville, North Charleston, Goose Creek, even Ladson and Monck's Corner due to the industry expansion. 

I'd pick one where I saw a lot of job growth -- new plant, plant expansion, income growth, etc.  

This is just one of my planned marketing angles.2) Get leads through all the ideas i've found on here such as absentee owners lists/ local govt filings / postit signs/ driveby/ etc (the etc is expansive)3) Create a database of the potential clients we may propose buying their house to after they call or call them and detail every step.4) Take down details of house after speaking with owner and explain how we work and eventually what we can offer and how we came to those numbers.

I have just completed my own market expansion analysis and I'm actively shopping in a brand new market just over an hour out of my core area.   

There might be some grants like @Lindsay Diven said, also check with trans dept on your area to double check they don't have expansion programs.

That is a pretty aggressive expansion, so just because you could do this doesn't mean that you should do this.I would hold off on Multi-Family properties until your finances have been joined.

I am stretching my knowledge base out into the multi-family market with plans for expansion into that arena soon!

If you are in the "expansion phase" the flexibility of the 30 year mortgage is generally worth the interest higher rate. 

me i'm openminded and know everyone's priorities are different ie a father of 5 kids i admire he put their education funds first, over what he does or doesnt 'own'; but just wondered if brokers are sometimes evaluated by peers along such lines as owning vs renting.seems to me lately alot of acquaintances around exude bountiful success and throw around huge volume numbers but sometimes when given a look an inside look at their assets either some are hidden, lots of $$$ is being spent on overhead/expansions, and/or ppl nowadays somehow generally r spending beyond their means no matter what income bracket?!

And the expansion of the population at NAS Whidbey Island is certainly something for investors to consider.