There are multiple factors that go into determining rents and if there is limited data the rents will be off. 

Hello everyone,I’m currently exploring opportunities in new construction projects in North and South Carolina and would greatly appreciate any insights or resources you might be able to share.Specifically, I’m interested in:Key areas with high demand for new constructionBest practices for navigating local regulations and permitting processesRecommendations for reliable contractors and suppliers in the regionAny recent market trends or data that could inform my investment strategyThank you in advance for your assistance.

They have the best data of exactly how things will come out in the wash vs an agent who's focus is getting you to buy something. 

But we do have a few other things we didn't have ten years ago: A historic housing shortage caused by 15 years of under-development and driven by a demographic shift (demographic changes are as predictable as time itself), very high purchase and rental demand, and continued upward pressure on rents and prices.I agree with you that in many ways it has gotten harder to invest.

This price growth is largely driven by continued low inventory levels, which have kept competition high among buyers, even as average days on market have increased to 36 days​(Nest Realty)​(Garretts Realty).In Southern Indiana, activity is up with new listings growing by 8.2%, though sales have seen slight declines.

Data over the last century shoes REITs have a correlation to stock market returns. 

If the owner lives in town, you could even go knock on their door, I find this to be extremely successful when you are going after foreclosed properties.As to your 1st post, you might want to look at city data for growing markets, It looks like Rochester lost population last year, vs if you look at sunbelt cities like, Houston, DFW, Austin, Miami, Orlando, Tampa, these cities saw at a minimum 1% population increase.

As a smaller investor, it's great to do all the data analysis with widely tracked metrics, but its also refreshing to hear the emotional and experiential data points from fellow investors as well.

Hillsboro - A little known fact is that Hillsboro is one of the leading locations for Data Centers on EARTH. 

Further, for a $300 - $400 investment you’d get a complete course on a particular investing methodology and the “mentor” who sold you his books and tapes would take your phone call personally and answer any questions you had.