Your local Ag extension, DEM or similar organization for your state will have state specific guidelines.  

Finish work on these homes will include extensive crown moldings, chair rails, high end paint, granite and stainless steel appliances (including wine cooler and ice maker) are now a must.

What I seem to find is that most of the properties that are low priced are up for auction and require extensive rehab. 

Unless you're planning on a total rehab anyways, not inspecting the utilities is a great way to get your budget (and by extension) bank account busted really quick if you don't have the margins to absorb the added expenses.

This area is prime to form heart rot as any moisture will want to collect there.Most states have a forestry commission or a university extension service that will have an urban forester on staff.

I have family there and have spent an extensive amount of time there so it isn't completely foreign to me. 

The style you choose typically is determined by the actual asset.With that all said, if the flip isn't extensive.   

I insure good property management and extensive due diligence.

With my extensive background in building construction and French speaking, I get therefore, involved in an international real estate development career.

If I were looking for a place to expand to, I wouldn't pick here unless I had deep pockets and extensive connections.