That drives job growth, pop. growth, etc. to other warmer climate states.

I know for a fact how difficult it is to finance a 4-plex without at least 15% down in todays lending climate. 3.5% or 5% down would leave him with money he could set aside for reserves or invest in another property.

Especially in a cold climate. 

Now after the sale is closed, you MIGHT be able to refinance for a higher value although this is iffy in today’s mortgage climate.

I thought my wet basement could be solved with a new sump system but the water continues to appear whenever there's a thaw (still have at least 36" of snow up here--BPers in warmer climates don't get too jealous) so I'll have to do a dig around the foundation to install a membrane around the perimeter once the weather improves.

If they can't handle a man being shirtless in his own home, they should consider living in a colder climate.

For our first property I'm definitely looking for something that will cash flow at least a couple grand a year, which I haven't had much luck with in the current climate, but I'm still getting started and digging deeper.

I decided I didn't like the political climate of property laws in a few other countries you mentioned when I was narrowing it down but of course we are likely looking for different things. 

Basically they like business friendly states ,reasonable property taxes, good pop and income growth, and stable weather patterns and conditions over time.Josh the KEY becomes can you sell your current location assets and 1031 exchange to achieve the same or better returns without all the climate risk factors for other properties ?

For example, are local mortgage underwriting regulations, property taxes, geo-climate risks, and foreign investors factors that are also important.Redfin plays down the risk of homes being affected by a recession stating high valuations are the result of lack of inventory.