Resources to identify best out-of-state markets for wealth growth

[Colleen Ebinger]

Greetings! 

My husband and I are aiming to 1031 our current portfolio of small multifamily (composed of 2-4 unit buildings) into larger commercial apartment buildings. We're considering moving beyond our local market for this next move. I'd welcome insights on two questions: 

1) What resources (websites, publications, etc.) do you recommend to study residential real estate markets nationally in order to zero in on 2-3 markets to consider investing in?

2) If you have any markets that you would especially recommend, I'd love to hear it! 

Our primary aim is to maximize our net wealth over the next 5-7 years. We won't rely on the cash flow for our own living expenses, though we definitely want cash flow to cover all associated property expenses (including mortgage), at a minimum. We'd be using our 1031 proceeds to cover the down payment and we'd finance as much of the purchase as possible, most likely about 75%.

Thanks in advance for any insights!