Are there additional conditions or taxes to consider when purchasing in these regions?

Always maintained, and in great condition.

You need to carry a special type of health insurance, not the traditional kind.

About getting out of the Rat Race.My family and I played it a few times, and what can be said in its favor is that there are a lot of opportunities to buy rental properties under different cash flow conditions.

Flipping and value add works in any market conditions at least for me is does. 

Don't forget to add fringe benefits such as health insurance and also payroll taxes, etc. 

Giving it a proper theme and left it in decent condition.

You need to adjust for inflation--back in 17 that wasn't on folks radars--and health costs.We do this now because of satisfaction, interest, and everything in between.

I appreciate the tip about the current market conditions.

To be fair, they sold me the home, so as long as it ends up in the rentable condition noted in the purchase agreement, I see no responsibility on their part to stick around for another 2-3 years.