QOTW: What data do you consider important when looking to invest?

[Alicia Marks]

Welcome to our new Question of the Week! If you haven't checked out BiggerPockets' newest podcast "On the Market", you need to check it out. (Seriously, it's analytics that won't put you to sleep!) With a rotating group of experts as well as experts in specific niches as guests, you'll enjoy learning how to analyze your real estate and maximize your returns!

We know that you should analyze the market and specific deals you are looking at, but everyone has different goals. For those of us just getting into investing, it's likely we are looking for cashflow to grow our business or escape a job we hate. Other investors are looking for a great asset that can appreciate. Our STR investors want to know where people want to be. Everyone can use data to answer the questions we have!

What data do you consider important when looking to invest in an unknown market? What about in your current market? For specific properties?

Why does this data search line up with your investing goal?

Let's get talking!

[Jake Wiley]

For a new market to be considered.   My top two indicators are.

1) Consistent Population Growth

2) Stable below-average unemployment statistics or at least a three-year trend of declining unemployment numbers that are now below national averages.   

With this data alone, I can shortlist the markets I would consider investing in for a much deeper dive.