What metrics do you look for when trying to identify markets?

[Charles Mitchell]

Hi All!

So I've read @David Greene 's book on OOS investing and have been researching markets since I finished the book about 2 months ago. Local investing doesn't make sense number wise (NYC). While it's liberating to know the steps and processes for investing out of state, it raises its own problems. I now can't decide on a market as I have too many options (shouldn't be a bad thing, right?). I have identified a few cities that seem promising but can't seem to make a decision on which to really delve into.

So my question to all OOS investors: What metrics do you look at when you're trying to identify a solid market?

The metrics I've mainly been looking at are;

• Population growth-- Are people running into or out of town?
• Economic growth-- Are jobs coming to town, and are they there for good?
• Unemployment-- as long as it's not staggeringly high 
• Average home price
• Appreciation
• Median Income 
• Good public transportation-- depends on the city.

Quick background about myself: Looking for a BRRRR 50-200k. The plan is to acquire a solid portfolio of buy and holds.

Am I missing some key metrics to look at? Any and all help is greatly appreciated!