Asking all successful searchers here:

1. Would you say it is crucial during the Search-Phase to live in your focus search area? (The question is not whether you need to know the market where you buy)
2. Did you end up buying a company close to your living location during the search?

Background: I currently live in Berlin and will be focusing my search on Bavaria (where I'm from and my network is strongest), Austria, Switzerland, Baden-Württemberg, Tirol. I am considering to move to Munich to be "closer to the targets".

Looking forward for some controversial arguments.