Any insights and recommendations would be greatly appreciated as I explore opportunities beyond my familiar territory.

@Jeremy Marek We approve pets only with proof that the pet is spayed or neutered since it shows that the owner is responsible, to prevent a litter of puppies living in the house, and to lower the chance of the dog marking their territory by peeing inside.

US property can only be exchanged for US property (or a few select US territories).  

Someone whose territory you won't encroach on but close enough where the economics are relatively similar.

Spayed/neutered pets, in general, are less territorial (fewer bites & fights theoretically).

A worry in growing quickly is getting into the territory where I would grow too fast for me to be able to keep up.  

Within those four boundaries, you are looking at prime North Fresno/Clovis real estate with some of the best schools in the state, virtually no crime, and newer homes occupied by professionals and upper middle class/upper class families.East of Fowler is not dense enough for real estate investment and is rural territory.  

Citizen rights are not as much the issue as how a territory is handled versus a state.

I would not be comfortable owning/operating in unfamiliar territory.  

I'm nervous to go down the path of this new territory, but something I am excited to venture into.