Yet the state has the highest poverty rate in the country and the middle class is shrinking. 

So pretty much 90% of Americans and probably 95% of the world will be screwed just because total GDP will shrink by a small percentage over 6 months instead of growing at a small percentage.

The problem with humidity is the cardboard 6 panels swell so much that planing them would be counter productive when it shrinks back.

And all thought my market is shrinking rapidly there is still plenty of opportunities in the surrounding areas.

I have a big ego when it comes to doing my own renovations, but that shrinks as time goes on.

However, there are many areas that are shrinking as far as population, jobs, etc. that is what is providing these returns to many investors, but when they go to re-sell they will not be able to sell for the higher prices they thought they would be able to. 

As functions in real estate become more automated, AND democratized, competition will continue to increase, arbitrage opportunities will shrink, and there will be less opportunities to generate "positive alpha", or above average returns.20 years from now, I can see the real estate market operating a lot more like the stock market does.Some examples of automation: Underwriting, Pricing, Lead Generation, Making Offers, just to name a few of hundreds, many of which I'm sure I am not even aware of.   

is the economy in the area growing or shrinking?

I think that trend is going to continue in the future as companies shrink their offices and hire remotely. 

There is a step by step process that will need to be done and if you mess that up your options will shrink.