How do you pros analyze markets?

[Ryan Lloyd]

Brand new aspiring real estate investor here.  I am looking to analyze markets for how well they will either cash flow through buy and hold rents AND/OR how well properties are likely to appreciate over time.  Currently focused on single-family or small multi-family properties.  What tools or strategies to folks recommend to begin to analyze various markets?  I'm open to focusing close to home (Northern Utah) or long-distance markets.  Thanks in advance for helping this noob out. 

[Dan Guenther]

@Ryan Lloyd

Welcome to the community! Take advantage of your pro membership and use the analysis calculators here on BP. A really basic method is to just jump on Zillow, choose an area/neighborhood, take note of the average price to rent say a 2-3 bedroom house, or whatever your criteria are. Once you've got an idea you can switch to look for houses for sale in that neighborhood or close to it. Then use the rental property calculator to punch in your numbers. Again, very basic method but it's not a bad place to start. 

Let me know if you'd like to run through a couple of practice properties together and I'd be happy to help out!