Population is growing, NFL Draft was the BEST EVER attended, prices are up over 20% last year, etc.

This allows my portfolio to grow, keeps rents coming in, and keep my costs low.

We’re drawn to relatively affordable areas that may be more resilient to climate change in the long run (though we know nowhere is immune).Buffalo has caught our attention because of the growing investments in the area, which we think could drive future economic growth.

Nothing to do with water everything to do with building in fire prone These same areas have these fires every 20 to 30 years as the Shamece brush and manzanita brush grows back after being burnt to the ground.. it grows back to 10 to 20 foot tall and when that happens and it catches fire there is no stopping it.

Things have to get much worse for insurance rates to continue to grow at 10-15% annually in perpetuity.  

Don't worry about giving up the rate if you're looking to grow your portfolio.

Economically growing area. 

For instance, targeting multifamily properties (2–4 units) is a great way to grow your portfolio.

As you grow your portfolio, keep an eye out for lenders who offer low down payment options for investors or those that allow leveraging the equity from your existing properties to fund new ones. 

Buying more properties when you are young is definitely the smart plan, it snowballs and grows the sooner you start.