It's not a major downturn yet but places are starting to sell for about 10% less then they were in 2016 and 217

I think it would really depend on your needs, there are probably places like this in the Midwest or even upstate, but you might want to look near a major airport if you need to fly in an out of the location often.

Most of it is never used when performing the duties of an agent, the vast majority at least in CA was memorizing terms such as styles of roof, types of financing, types of easements etc. 

Of course this is also a function of us avoiding a direct hit from a major hurricane...

Now if you plan on making an addition or something major like that, yes, you'll likely need a building permit. 

@ Andrew Major - It takes 1-2 months to close if you finance conventionally.

No major airport. 

Roach infestation, broken windows, cabinet doors, pool  not maintained and needing a major cleanup and scrubbing, pool house carpet a wreck and it was only 3 years old.

@Robert BurnsFew thoughts, yes the majority of the inquiries and interest that you are going to get are from ppl strictly looking for a rental. 

page=1 http://www.tax-rates.org/taxtables/property-tax-by-stateThese are not the major determining factors of choosing my market, but important ones.