While I've never lived in Phoenix I find it hard to believe that Tucson has a lower affordability rating than Tempe, Scottsdale or Phoenix proper.

Lower sales volume results from lower inventory which results from rising prices.

Some entitled people on here think all lower rent properties are slum lord owned.

., will be back on the market at a way lower price.

Your best bet would be sell the land as is  and buy somewhere around there in a place with lower taxes . 

Recession resistant asset class (people downsize, move in together, move back home, etc. during recessions)Cash flowing asset (not dependent on market appreciation)People buy a lot of crap and toys during good economic times (and need a place to put it)75% of the facilities in the country are owned by non-institutional owners (opportunity for adding value)Small ($10-30) rental increases create large increases in NOI and property valuationSticky tenant baseUnits are easy to maintain (brick and metal, no amenities, little landscaping)Location, population growth, and barriers to entry matter. 

A good broker will FaceTime on site or send video walk throughs and will help shepherd the application process through, in addition to having specific local knowledge.FYI streeteasy started charging brokers to list rental last year and so it's not complete, particularly at lower price points.

Wholesaling is mostly like any other market with a low barrier to entry: it's filled with people who have no skin in the game. is it possible?

Your returns on invested cash are lower as well.  

I would stay away from the lower mainland for the next few years unless you truly find a deal (or create your own deal by writing letters to home owners and see if anyone is willing to sell at a discount).