If you're looking to invest in STR, Sacramento is very friendly, but San Diego is doable if you're prepared to deal with a tougher regulatory environment. 

BP is a great place to start.Additionally, I just finished a rough draft report with 6 different REI case studies for Denver, Springs, and Pueblo with the new higher interest rate environment.

And how is the environment affecting your decisions? 

Go in too low with the rate and, in a higher interest rate environment, you'll not get paid off until rates really drop well down the road. 

@Rickey Brunson in this rate environment,  I'd really try to buy with seller-financing longer term. 

If you can do it now, in this environment, you will be well positioned in 5 years. 

I also agree with him that we are in a deflationary environment going into 2015.

The health concerns, double digit unemployment, and other people concerned with their employment does not create an environment for a high volume of discretionary housing changes.

This is not an operational environment. 

He is more focused on So Cal but anything he says about the overall market/lending environment is well worth listening too.