How to find a good market to invest in, in another state.

[Ashley Budyak]

At some point I would live to invest in other states, but obviously will not know that market as well as I would the one I am living in. What are some ways to learn the markets in other states and determine where to even start looking and if it really is a good market or not?

[Account Closed]

Originally posted by @Ashley Budyak:

At some point I would live to invest in other states, but obviously will not know that market as well as I would the one I am living in. What are some ways to learn the markets in other states and determine where to even start looking and if it really is a good market or not?

 I'd start with looking at nearby states. For me it makes a lot more sense to invest in AZ than in CA. Prices are better, good appreciation, good cash flow, easy to get to if needed, landlord friendly, etc. Pick a state then take a look at City-data.com for demographics and then get on google maps and "walk" down some streets. You can tell pretty quickly if it's an area you want to travel to to check out. I wouldn't skip the "boots on the ground part". Go to the city, drive the neighborhoods and see if that is comfortable for you before you buy.