Felicia,All good questions when I discuss options with my customers I typically look for highest rate with the most equity.

All of my customers in NJ, NY, CT, CA, WA and other states are all buying in those states as well as a few others.The price to cash flow ratio is going to be better in those states as well as having a higher inventory of both single family and multifamily rental homes.

You are required however to have a license like myself if you are offing a service to customers.

Now that I'm a more experienced designer in real estate, I would love to customize my kitchen more with different materials, unique tile, and more unique pulls/knobs but having a large, clean kitchen was extremely appealing to me as a first-time buyer 4 years ago.

Some states do have special guidelines or customs that differ from state to state, but this is a minority of situations.  

I look at our sub base and depending on the trade will dictate nationality. 

Quote from @Curt Smith: I've been using an SMS platform for 4 yrs now (+/- a few mo), got a sub to deal early on nothing since. 

I know I work for the company, but I'm also an All In One Loan customer.

Congrats Subbing work out in the high desert aint for the faint of heart.  

And the customer would think we were responsible .