How to analyze a markets performance?

[Blake Ramsey]

Hey everyone, my name is Blake and I'm an aerospace engineering student based in Springfield, Mo learning everything I can about the world of REI. I've been doing a lot of property analysis... Analysis's... I don't know. Anyways, I've been analyzing a lot properties just as practice because I'm not quite financially ready to invest in a property, but I've been wondering how I can analyze my local market as a whole rather than just individual properties.

What are some metrics I should pay attention to and are there any tell-tale metrics that point to a well performing or weak market? Should I be analyzing my city as a whole, or should I divide it into sectors based on average property values? How much do these metrics influence your decision when purchasing a property?

I'd appreciate any input, thanks everyone!