I watched Yellen's speech to congress yesterday and also read this morning's newspaper both confirming the upping of interest to come.Since I hadn't heard from the forum (before you of course), I did some further research and learned how to read and understand the finer prints of the HELOC offers which helped me make my decision.  

I considered my options for an affordable home: 1) mobile home, which could wash away in the next storm; 2) houseboat, which could float away in the next storm; or 3) land-based structural dwelling, which is only slightly more permeant than the other two.The decision-tree continues... what type of structural dwelling: 3a) an older ground-level house; or 3b) newer elevated house on stilts above the hurricane floodplain.

He said that this would most likely mean that we would have to put in an elevator so that the second floor is handicap accessible.

They said it was for seniors but had no elevators etc. and did not want to agree to deed restrictions for plan approval by the county/city.

This is why man created Gods to elevate their fear of the unknown.

Some of these things are messier than others - where do my rights begin and yours end when it comes to firearms, speech, access to necessities of life, etc - and some are more clear cut  - prohibitions against murder, robbery, etc - but that's the primary function of government.

The insurance can be the big killer in there, depends on the elevation. 

Really anyone that could put together an exterior elevation drawing with your desired siding choices would be able to help you.  

Also elevate mattress, vacuum all around the edges of mattress.

You get all the foot traffic and noise that is unwanted.If the complex only has stairs instead of an elevator then being on the ground floor could be a plus.