Once the plane landed in FL at 11am I hit the hotel, showered to get the travel funk off of me and took a 20 minute power nap as the house hunting marathon was to begin at 1pm.

If you're going to invest somewhere you are NOT (can't get to without a plane flight), I'd say turnkey would give you what you're looking for.Again, I'm not saying it's your only option, but it's definitely the easiest one.

If you're unwilling to drop $300 on plane ticket to go see your property, you shouldn't buy it.Let your amazing property manager dictate where you invest.

OH YA flooding is an excellent point- even if your house isn't likely to flood if you're in a classified flood plane your insurance is way more. 

(Sorry couldn't resist)I always look at debt in two ways - good debt (business) & bad debt (cars, boats, planes, etc.).

I'll learn from them and offer a plane ride as a trade.

I think it depends on where they are and what your target market is.Places for example like Orlando and trips to Disney could get hit hard by recession....fewer families will be able to drop $5000 on plane tickets, park tickets, accommodations, and food.3 day getaway place from a major city with lots of activities for kids or multi gen reunions. 

Get on a plane and look with your own eyes.

Get a pre-qualification letter if you are planing on financing.  

Its a 13 hour drive and $400-600 plane ticket depending on the date.