Todd,  I think as it relates to the Portland metro area.. we are seeing a ceiling for sure on rents..and I see move in specials I saw a sign offering 400.00 referral fee for a new tenant.. ( which not sure how they can do that legally speaking).. and I know some of the new A class product is stressed in our area.. simply because the projects take years to build and build cost now for a metal glass elevator building is 400 a foot or better.. and expected rents on those units have dropped not risen..

I often feel that I greatly elevate my own appraisals and also for my clients.

Elevated Construction & Design, make sure to use someone who gives you detailed scope of work, work/payment schedules, etc.

Also, I'm considering looking into an elevation certificate to remove the property from the flood zone. 

It's OK if it is but you will need an elevation certification before you can get it insured.Look at all the vendor contracts, especially laundry.

If you can get close to downtown Tampa, do it, just be aware of elevation levels, water levels, flood zones, etc.

Elevations has a good HELOC program.

Having grit is the key to elevating yourself to the next level.

none seem to pop into my head @Chris Clark, but other than FEMA and NFIP, are 2 key players that can make or not make you want to invest in the post-flood "redstick," my realtors work with us and we try not to buy in flood zone areas, but our newest project will require a flood certificate, if we have to elevate then no deal, but we are expecting to rehab and standard flood insurance, this is the new norm after the devastation, we buy low and sell for profit, just hope home-owners that want to invest in these areas will go the additional mile and get contents/possession coverage as well, always keep Louisiana strong, keep posting but most of all keep sharing

[Hard to get but depending on your "elevator speech", it is possible.] 3.