Yes, the property taxes are a killer and the competition is unreal which is why I invest out of state (Alabama, Georgia, Ohio, and now looking in Florida) Property taxes are nothing in Alabama as I paid less than $700 in property taxes on my house in Birmingham. 

Orlando's getting so competitive that unless your a cash buyer it's hard to get deals accepted.

Might be useful if trying to submit more competitive offers to beat other VA loans and then doing an IRRRL.

I have not heard many good things about California but there are still some good deals out there you just have to work smarter and quicker than your competition.  

Sure, Clayton is right that if your contacts in St Louis aren't in the business then you don't have much of a competitive advantage, but they could recommend people they trust already AND St Louis is a good market anyhow so no need to necessarily look farther. 

Since then, I have heard there is now more competition into that and it has become a harder way to make a living.  

While all the big boys are building in the most competitive zones, they do very well just outside.  

We are extremely competitive on pricing, our goal is to help you be successful and then hopefully get your property management business.

Compare it on craigslist to your competition and see which do and don't have ac and the other items.

I will admit that there are still plenty of opportunities that arise here, but there is also a lot of competition.