How to determine demand for home rentals?

[Ryan Aurand]

Hi guys!

I'm a brand new investor in North Georgia looking to BRRRR single family homes. I've been spending a lot of my time lately scanning Zillow to determine the market rate for renting 2 and 3 bedroom houses. Unfortunately, there don't appear to be many homes available for rent in the areas I'm looking at. I'm becoming worried that, given how few homes are being listed for rent, perhaps it isn't common for people to rent homes in this area. In the smaller towns I'm looking at, it seems possible that people are only looking to buy.

I'm wondering if my fear is justified or if the market to rent will always exist (just greater in some places than others). Any advice is appreciated. Thanks!!