@Crystal Smith Thank you!

Going to take a special kind of agent to dedicate that kind of effort and time...Not to mention you as a buyer have to be crystal clear in what your niche is when putting in offers so you know your numbers.Granted practice makes perfect ...

I would look to the south end of Topsail Beach -- I anticipate strong appreciation/growth due to some unique factors such as crystal blue water and a highly successful beach renourishment program.

No one has a crystal ball, but we may have had a Goldi locks period in the 2012-2019 era where we had low prices and low interest rates.

You'll be successful investing in any of those markets you listed, but you need to be crystal clear about your long term vision and goals.

Nobody has a crystal ball, so that's the gamble. 

I know nobody has a crystal ball.  

I'd challenge you to double down on those questions and get crystal clear on your vision. 

Of course rates are high right now and no one has a crystal ball to know when they will come down.

Also be crystal clear on your requirements for lawn maintenance and irrigation, and consequences of not abiding.