@Tony H. you are 100% correct, once you leave the Bay Area it is extremely hard to get back in.

I would proceed with EXTREME caution.

I also decided to pull the trigger on getting my RE license.

I have a couple of rental properties in NJ and for the last 5 years I’ve been stuck and don’t know why I can’t pull the trigger on any deals .

That's not to say there aren't deals that are flippable, but its extremely hard here as opposed to Houston.

Side note: if anyone knows a general contractor who specializes in and/or is extremely familiar with this genre and is located in the Charleston, SC area I would love their contact informationThank you!

Sometimes not getting into a bad deal is as good or better then getting a decent deal.Right now you have to look constantly for a property that the numbers work on, whether it's multifamily or single family.If it's a duplex on the MLS reach out to me before you pull the trigger.  

I chose to be licensed because I don’t have an extensive background in real estate and the networking and learning opportunities a brokerage can offer me is extremely beneficial in my opinion.

I still do deals here in Maricopa County but our marketing dollars go a lot further in Cook County (Chicago), the sellers are extremely more motivated and the market is still in transition so in certain areas the deals are plentiful

If you are not a slumlord and run an ethical business then that is an extremely minimal risk.1 LLC for each lane of business you are in.