I haven't narrowed it down to one market yet.

Flood insurance is underwritten by the Feds, unless this has changed, so the rates should be fairly standard.The elevation cert can help narrow down the risk rate because it gives hard data for the property.

By talking with folks who are doing different things you maybe interested in you can narrow down you focus.Best of luck.

From there you can narrow down to the one you wish to work with.

I called the office to get some advice from someone who works there about what codes i should be looking up to help me narrow down my searches.

. :) Ive read a few beginner rei type books, and am aiming to narrow my focus from the general reading to more targeted focus of individual methods for getting in the game.  

People live above their means under favorable economic conditions, then scale back from A to B and B to C.2.

It really is a national business and you probably want someone with enough band width and experience to anticipate issues and avoid them rather an have an "oops" moment down the road.

(Thank you in advance)Here's the violations list:CN062024Failed to maintain parapet wall in good repair and free from cracks and defects. (13-196-530 and 13-196-641)North and South parapets , spalled bricks and loose mortar with ajar mortar joints .CN063014Failed to maintain chimney in safe and sound working condition. (13-196-590, 13-196-530(b) and (c), 13-196-641)North chimney spalled bricks and loose mortar with ajar mortar joints .CN069014Failed to maintain foundation in sound condition and repair and so it adequately supports the building at all points. (13-196-530, 13-196-530(a), 13-196-641)Rear basement areaway , peeling masonry coating on foundation walls .CN070024Failed to repair or replace defective or missing members of porch system. (13-196-570, 13-196-641)Rear two story wood back porch requires replacement with plans and permits .

In my experience, the narrower I made my criteria, the better the deals that came across my desk.