I've written blog posts and forum posts about what it means to invest in a cold weather climate, how you can't invest just based on pictures on an MLS listing (and why), and so on. 

Often you will find your best deals in other markets, especially when your market is over-heated and the numbers don't make sense anymore.Factors to consider when familiarizing yourself with other markets:What's the economy like (unemployment, jobs & job growth, business climate, migration, etc.)?

I really appreciate the community you guys have created here with a climate of sharing great information and helping others succeed!

Given our climate, all are high efficiency models optimized for low source temperature operation with Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) ratings between 9 and 12.5.

What can they tell you about the current business climate?

The more challenging issue is the RE investing climate in my area.

Life seems like it keeps moving faster and faster, but in this political climate, I felt that my families financial future was not certain.I decided it was time to get involved in real estate.

That is surely part of being rich/wealthy - freedom to do what you enjoy.I suspect I'd really enjoy doing flips, so am thinking about how that might be possible with staying in the southern California climate and fitting it in with my current business.

Build costs will vary from region to region, site to site, climate v non-climate control and with the construction methods you choose.

the sizing of the inside unit, outside unit, and ductwork will be based on the "load calculation" which include the size of each tenant space, ceiling height, the amount of insulation in walls/ceiling/floors, the leakiness or tightness of your walls and windows, and the climate.