Generally larger commercial properties and shopping centers are easier to classify with hard and fast rules, but to the points above the residential areas really move very quickly and have way more nuance than most people care to admit.zip codes are generally way too large for my liking at least in my market to provide any kind of insights other than macro level economics but even then highways or rivers that cut through a zip code can end up with totally different trade areas.we can get pretty granular with cellphone data and with grocery center data to understand the trade areas and their true boundaries, but that kind of data pull is generally only cost effective for investors doing larger scale projects or developments, and honestly we still just end up getting on the ground and feeling it out, so I generally tell people that the money is better spent on a plane ticket and weekend trip in the area you are looking rather than any kind of "trade area" level data studies.and generally B class in 1 area means something different than another. 

I don't think rent to retirement can vet a deal any better than anyone else or you, they just have a bit of a system. but the new builds in Lehigh acres, Cape Coral, north port, etc are all garbage. septic systems, poor economics, low rent to purchase price ratios, you are banking on appreciation and buying at market. building direct is going to give you a competitive advantage on a 3 unit let's say worth 600,000 you are going to be 120k ahead than if you bought it through them. that's my analysis. if you are super lazy and too busy to make money and have millions to throw around then I'd recommend not thinking much about investing. but you can also invest in funds and be way omre passive than buying a new build from far away. but if you want to add real value then get involved and make it happen. getting wealthy isn't easy. you work hard for your money and there are build to rent developers like us that try to answer and add value to start buiding relationshipsl

In my market, which is a fairly economical place to build, I am friends with full time builders that are in their properties about $150k/door for construction level finishes.  

@Olga Daisel I think I would focus on getting your Westlake home and using other funds to purchase rentals that make more economical sense.

Several economic factors are contributing to this shift:Overbuilding: Some areas of Charlotte have seen significant overdevelopment, leading to an oversupply of rental units.Tighter Money: Rising interest rates and economic uncertainty have made tenants more cautious with their spending.Tenant Behavior: Many responsible renters are choosing to stay put rather than take on the cost and hassle of moving.What Does This Mean for Landlords?

Your going to the London School of Economics, your not some punk day dreaming from Mom's basement working PT at McD's who's best achievement was the dugout ya made in metals shop and got your first -B of your life wondering how to get Grant Cardone "rich" with you $85 of deployable savings...... 

But growth (economically and population) is probably the biggest one.

I can also allow a tenant to grow with me - just moved a family from a two bedroom to a three bedroom apartment.Personally the only reasons I would choose to invest in multiple markets is a) because I wanted an excuse to go somewhere regularly or b) for economic/geographic diversity.I had the advantage that my home market was good.

The state's economic dynamism, natural beauty, cultural attractions, and educational institutions continue to draw people and investment.

Some times in between there in rougher economic conditions it was getting unexpected vacancies.