Market Analysis - Are There Buyers in an Area?

[Brian Kittner]

Hi All,

I'm working my way through "The Book on Flipping Houses" by J Scott, and am currently working to identify a prospective farming area.

When trying to gauge whether there are buyers in an area, J suggests that at least 60% of listings should eventually sell. Would comparing the number of active listings per month to the number of sales per month over a 12 month period give a general sense to this metric? 

Also, if anyone has any of their own tips on how to get a sense of the number of buyers in an area, or just market analysis tips in general they would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Brian