No idea what happens to rents in a major economic downturn outside of some guesses. 

The city has been through hell (crime, bankruptcy etc), but you are seeing folks from elsewhere in CA moving there, and it seems like things have improved somewhat economically.

If the car you own is not necessary, you could save even more to sell your vehicle and move to a more economical car as this is a depreciating asset. 

Sometimes the economic development department or Chamber of Commerce will be helpful with traffic counts, demographics and local area spending power.

in general that should work, but local bank in smaller town maybe more open to lend there, and have better understanding of the economics of that market.Accountant and Insurance, can be out of area.I hope that helps.

Though I have very limited capital, and am very cognizant of where we may be in the interest rate cycle and economic cycle..

Its all economic theory, but interesting to think about; especially since one of the paper's looked at 17 different economic over 150 years.

I am going to start a significant remodel of my house in Santa Monica and wanted to maximize all possible rebates, grants or energy rebates that are available for new roofs, windows, appliances, insulation, landscaping..ect.I have a basic list (local municipality and appliance rebates) but didn't know if there was anything that I was missing or didn't know about...possibly other agencies?

If a utility company is a major employer of town could they be considered an economic anchor?

I played around with some of the ways of looking at value in the Introduction to Real Estate Analysis article by J Scott, but whenever I think of an offer I get worried I am either insulting him or giving away all my hard work (3 years of time assembling lots and getting it through city approvals, and serving as an uncompensated GC for net zero energy certification and most of the site work).