What data do you use to analyze your market?

[Clark Bradley]

Hey guys,

I'm new to the forums, and I'm excited to learn as much as I can. I am focusing on multi-family investing, and im hoping my first puchase can be a mid size (8-12 unit) apartment complex. In my research, I am trying to find accurate and detailed forecasts for my market, (Southeast MI). I came across a site, www.propertymanagementinsider.com, and they have a section called MFP Research that produces quarterly reports for markets across the US. You can subscribe to their apartment market reports. It breaks down multiple metrics, across 18 South East MI sub-markets, and provides employment trends, occupancy, rent, and building permit changes, and they lay it out in a clear, concise way to interpret the data. It seems like a very complete and comprehensive report, considering that each report would be 30+ pages of data. It also provides their forecast for which areas are poised for the most growth or decline, comparing the sub-markets against other markets nationally.

However, these reports, delivered quarterly, run $750/year! Seems expensive, but it is possible that you get what you pay for.

I'm curious as to what you other investors, SFR or multi-family, use to assist with your investing. As, if any of you have heard of this site, or used these reports for your use, i would love to hear your feedback. I have yet to pinpoint a specific market in my area that I want to focus my research, and any guidance would be appreciated.

-Clark