I would use this map/data prepared by NC Emergency Management Floodplain Division to find areas that are located outside of the 100-year flood zone:https://fris.nc.gov/fris/Home....I am located in southeast NC, and there are areas on the island proper of Kure Beach, Carolina Beach, and Oak Island that are not subject to the 100-year flood zone.

I am an American living and working in Singapore and surrounding countries in South East Asia for over 5 years.

I am buying a property in Lincoln, Nebraska.

(If you're being told you need full fire sprinklers in a 3 bed/1 bath/1400 sq ft house, then it's the latter...)I have stayed in some vacation rentals in Ohio - cabins in the Hocking Hills area, southeast of Columbus. 

Lastly, I'm from Lincoln, Nebraska.

Another is an almost national auto parts chain, they have the southeast US and still entering new markets.

It does appear that many of the best rental return markets are located in the midwest and southeast.

@Karin DiMauro I am in SECT (south east Connecticut?

Call brokers, lenders, managers, and find a local RE Club or Group. 3) Use BiggerPockets as much as you can.I focus on properties 100 units or more, southeast & midwest.

In some part of the country (Mainly in the south east) REA are not allowed to recommend either to buy or not to buy in any given neighborhood because of anti discrimination laws.