I’ve only been to the snow a handful of times and I’m not sure I would survive the harsh winters.

Dry cleaners use chemicals that may need special cleanup after a loss for example.If the non-apartment exposure is smaller than the apartment exposure (usually judged by square footage), it may result in a lower cost than just apartments for Insurance. 

I'm a Senior PHP Developer for a local chemical sales company where I've created and maintain proprietary sales and business management software.  

Sorry if I was harsh but I had to speak my heart out.

I have seen a lot of investors buy south of willow because the comps will include the north of willow stuff and then when it is time to refi or sell the harsh reality is revealed.

Sorry to be harsh, but that's the truth.

Soon, they say, the short-term rental policy will change harshly - I'll be able to rent out for only 90 days a year or pay more taxes.

I'm an amateur myself, had to face harsh realities diving into the market. 1% rule is barely obtainable, but it still personally makes sense for me, because I also work here in JC and dont have a car.

You can check that out, though the terms are harsh and you won't cash flow (probably negative CF) until after the loan is paid off, but for some it's worth it to grab up cheap inventory.

This business harshly punishes people who don't have reserves.