Networking,  is mostly with rehabbers in the group that we sell houses to. 

They can also give you a better idea of how much you should be prepared to pay so you can cruise through your closing with confidence.And as you plan ahead for closing day, be sure to budget for your real estate agent’s professional service fee too, in case the seller doesn’t cover it.

Or a seller finance calculator showing the monthly payment based on negotiated price, interest rate, down payment, etc.

Lower property taxes, affordable housing compared to LA (CA buyers are usually cash buyers because what they net from their smaller home in CA can get them a bigger home here, often covered by what they net from their CA sale), allergies (smog), and politics. 

Quote from @Jimmy Jeter: Need some help to finish our house. 

We purchased the house about 3 months ago and are owner financing it.

Clarify your strategy—whether it's rentals, flips, or house hacking—and build a team of agents, lenders, and contractors.

Because it looks shady to most sellers, in a variety of ways. 

I’m an agent and house hacker in the north shore.

But, it may not offer the ROI as other locales, and it may not be "fun" like buying in a favorite vacation spot.2 - The highest ROI folks - Self explanatory, will go where ROI is high and/or regulation low.3 - The second home/retirement minded - These people are looking for minimal ROI but want the house in a specific location because they like to use the property and want it to pay for itself.