:| Tulsa seems like a good place to capitalize on both trends.

While looking for a market there are some things to think about getting into that market not just price, the application of the market, the stability of the market for jobs/job growth, the long term of the market conditions in that market, and the historical trends in that market that you pick/look at.The areas that fit the things above that you feel good about are then narrowed down to price, price is a leading indicator on if you can do the deal or not, we have areas that are luxury, secondary markets and vacation markets that people invest in STRs (this area is the cheapest prices considered).

It was mostly condo's during this time period but the trend would be the same. 

I wouldn't pay off more to drop PMI and gain equity to refinance, that will be throwing a lot of money in a direction that will cost money to pull it back out and with the rate trend at more expensive dollars.

I know the new trend in San Diego is to build down and wanted to know if anyone in the BP community has endeavored in this venture.

Then I would look at the bigger trends, is it a growing market or shrinking market?  

Also avoid the latest trends since they change so quickly, upgrades that are great today will look dated soon and you don't want to have to demo them out later.   

Hope this isn't a trend on where the state is heading but I've been worried with all the new residents coming from CA, WA, etc. 

You have to play with trends.

Buy in those markets to put your chips on the remote working trend, and even if it doesn't manifest, then you still own real estate.