market analysis

[Carl Gryska]

How does one go about performing their market research?

I have tried citidata.com but I could not find a chart that shows

population and job growth. What are the best and easiest resources

to analyze a market for a potential RE investment?  

[Cailyn Aune]

Hey @Carl Gryska.... 
I've been digging around on hundreds of posts and tons of threads to learn more about how others are doing their market analysis... finally stumbled on this thread. Scroll down to where Eric Fernwood posts... it's pretty darn thorough. I'm starting to dig through his advice the best I am able.

https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/52/topics/235...

Also... I've seen some of the following suggested as I've connected with other BP members for various tools/resources for general or specific areas... 

Trulia: use for demographics (% college grads, owner occupy vs. renters, etc), then click on "See businesses, schools, crimes near this home"

Zillow:  for rough estimates of rents and value (rents more accurate when you search zillow for similar homes in the same neighborhood)

Citydata.com : it breaks down each neighborhood and gives you income, demographics, ethnic breakdown, etc (You already listed that... so not sure what they are getting from it that you're wanting but can't find..)

A host of people suggest, Rentometer, Rentjungle, and Rentrange for coming up with the most accurate rental prices.... some people like them, some don't.

Calling 3 to 5 PM companies in an area and asking them a bunch of questions regarding the market, how quickly things are going, prices, etc...

And then definitely read the thread and Eric Fernwood's LONG post from it... it has a bunch of other stuff I've seen incorporated in other's answers, all in one place.

Good luck! Please let me know if you come across anything you learn as well...  Thanks!