Small Multifamily Investing Location

[Taylor Kochenderfer]

It's time for a career change. I intend to sell my home and leave my job soon. Assuming the housing market holds, I will have cash in my pocket that I'm prepared to invest in real estate. I live in a relatively expensive market that doesn't match well with my goals. I plan to move to a new city, put together a team of the "core four" and start investing. Once I get the ball rolling, I will likely move back to my home state but plan to continue investing long distance.

I have been listening to the BiggerPockets podcast and researching investment strategies for about a year. I'm focused on buy and hold investing in small multi-family (duplex, triplex & fourplex). Overall, I'm looking for an area that will provide a reasonable cap rate, decent population growth, and affordability. Economic growth and job creation are also a plus. I'm not focused on gaining appreciation on the property, although that is always a bonus.

I'm prepared to move anywhere in the country. Therefore, I'm looking for the best town/city to start my real estate portfolio. I have a few places in mind, but before I start zeroing in on the exact area and start making contacts, I'd appreciate the input of fellow investors with experience!

Thank you all in advance.