Based on my numerous interactions with police as a landlord."

Our basements around my area have numerous problems due to being unreinforced and having poor drainage away from foundations. 

(as mentioned above, competing with national builders is very difficult) What is the local economy like?

There are numerous individuals on here, providing a lot of assistance to each other.

I would stay to the area around Southpoint, zip 27703, I think.For lenders, if you are a member of a local credit union, I would make an appointment with a loan officer to see what they can offer and also check with a regular bank mortgage and a national mortgage company.

Any flippers out there in southern California already implementing low flow faucets and shower heads?LA Times Link

The trade-off to lower mortgage payment will be mortgage insurance and 20% downpayment through conventional loan.Exit Strategies: Live and rent out single-family or duplex while making repairs over the years and either keep in in the portfolio as a rental property or sell.While I'm not looking to jump the gun on any decision at this point in time, I would like to know how strong of an idea the first option is compared to the second and if I have correctly examined the strengths and weakness of each investment opportunity.Thanks again BP Nation!

Then those properties to buy and partner on can be cherry picked.The local investor who is a success in your area will usually have much deeper micro knowledge of the area versus buying a national system. 

It Gives your business a national presence.Source- Which phone number is right for your business?

That's right at the national average income for my medical specialty, but people don't realize the sweat and training it takes to get there.