What is the most difficult part of analyzing a property?

[David Coronado]

Hi BP,

I've recently signed up for a few Whole sellers emailing list. I'm excited by all of the potential properties but I'm having a difficult time figuring out which ones are the winners for me. I'm curious to know what is the most difficult part of analyzing a property you experience?

For example,

1. Location
2. ROI on Flip or Hold
3. Amount of work needed to Flip or Rent
Etc

[Schuyler Hayes]

It would be location for me. It seems fairly easy to determine the rent income you can squeeze out of a place—but knowing what sort of changes in the area may affect its value 5-10 years down the road is more of an art. I'm delighted to have some friends and connections involved with city planning in a couple areas, and any time I get wind of plans for the future I'm compelled to start thinking of REI in that area. New road being built? New zoning policies? Plans for a new residential development, public park or commercial area? All things that are worth taking into account, and being early to know about them might mean the opportunity to pick some low-hanging fruit in buying a property that may otherwise not seem too appealing!