Doesn't have to be publicly traded, doesn't have to national per se.Its loosely thrown around though for super strong regionals who may provide audited financials, etc.

Always figured it would be a $1M+ to buy anything in the region.

No way would I replace the copper in my region. 

We focus solely on the midwest, we have found the region is uniquely filled with many opportunities for solid cash flow.

The region you're working in will also play a role in how easy it will be to build a business without Americanizing your name.

I’d imagine the cost of fresh water and food will continue to increase in price and I’m wondering if the Great Lakes region might make an attractive diversification to our long-term portfolio.. the central location and access to fresh water should make it an attractive place to live but winters can be a bit unwelcoming. 

But regional differences can play a large factor in that, I am in Portland and it's not the cheapest market to build in. 

I see you are from Topeka, KS, which is very close to the Flint Hills region of Kansas that I just moved away from.

I just ran a quick comparison in my region (Oregon), and on a $400k home with 20% down, the difference between a 620 credit score and a 740 score is 5/8% in interest rate and $3,000 in higher fees.If I were in your situation, I would do the following:- Wait a year or two for my credit to recover.- Send Daughter #1 to community college for a year (or two) to get her Gen Ed classes for little-to-no cost.

1) Regionally, are there more risk for the real estate market in the North East and West with rising rates, inflation and migration patterns?