@Matt Mohapp you can certainly leave this post here but Bigger Pockets has some great state forums and usually there are good locals that monitor those.

I have a big background in utility infrastructure and local municipalities.

This gives you one single place to easily monitor where rates are going rather than contacting lenders and shopping around.

*grinsI would think the amount of time necessary to become an expert in any given large market like the one's you've listed, to maintain ongoing business relationships, and monitor the progress of a significant project would be more than my wife would tolerate. 

Monitor and correct anything questionable on your credit.Work on lowering your expenses so you can save quicker. 

There are identity theft services out there that they can subscribe to that will monitor use of their SS/credit, and if they are that nervous about it they should take advantage of such services.

Personally Simpsonville is becoming overcrowded, overpriced and the infrastructure sucks. 

For starters, check the infrastructure and main systems in the home such as roof, heating and air conditioning system, hot water heater, electricity and plumbing.

I would identify the fastest growing cities/states with infrastructure investments, and where large companies are investing, where are people moving to vs moving away from.  

That is, constant monitoring, maintenance and marketing.