Newbie from Silicon Valley

[Thomas Cardamone]

Hello Bigger Pockets,

Since this is my first post introducing myself I'd like to thank you up front for taking the time to read this short note. My name is Thomas Cardamone and I'm from the Bay Area. I don't have any formal education or training in real estate investing, but I have done my fair share of reading BP, listening to the BP Podcast and reading a few books. Currently I work for a tech company in operations, but my goal is to start an out of state single family home rental investment as homes in my area are way out of my reach (1,2,3,4 millions of dollars for 1 door). I found Bigger Pockets through a friend and it's proved to be such a great community. My research has lead me to places like Tampa Bay & Jacksonville FL. I'd be interested to find other BP members who have started out this way and who might have properties near or in these areas. I'm looking to take action and begin this investment journey.

Quick Question For You Guys:

• What tool is most commonly used to understand where a local market cycle stands?
• I would like to use something that can visually show me the peek, the tipping point, the decline, the bottom and then the climb back up...
• This would help my overall confidence in making a first purchase.

Again, thank you for taking the time to read this post. I hope to connect with as many of you as I can and create new relationships on this investment journey.

Best,
Thomas