I would suggest staying in California if you can since you're new to this, because unless you have some boots on the ground in other states it might be pretty inconvenient to have to fly out there if needed for some property emergency (like the home catches on fire, flood, etc.)With 25% down you can make the numbers work in Sacramento.

I generally would recommend to stay away from any transaction involving disqualified person.

Net migration is due to increase in the next couple of years and tougher mortgage rules have forced potential first-time buyers to stay in the rental market.

It can get pretty tricky because the bank will want the loan to stay at the current LTV.

If you want to "flip" a house with a conventional loan, you will probably need to do a live-in flip and stay there for a few years before selling it.  

So even if it’s not in Birmingham, stay in contact with that agent either by phone, email or text to show them how serious you are.

Are there any indicators that suggest population will increase, decrease or stay about the same? 

They may just stay and not pay 2.

I’m from a small town surrounded by about 4-5 other small towns, and I try to stay in that area.

Let's hope it stays that way :) (Fingers crossed).