Strong Long Term Trends: The shift to the experience economy continues.  

There is 2 VERY different ways people are going about these sub2's today that make it impossible to say anything on sub2 without defining which one is doing; the "shady-as-hell" popularized trending way, or the well capitalized, professional, trying not to do things shady AND ready to make things right if anything blows back way, which let's be honest maybe 5% of those in the space practice today. 

Identify markets with expanding industries, positive growth trends, and bright economic forecasts.Columbus, Ohio is a great market to consider if you're leaning towards appreciation.

For Zillow and Redfin what really matter is the price chart trend of the neighbourhood and not the price itself.

That trend has continued unabated.Now I see people commuting to Boston from Portland, Maine (!!!)

I'm talking about a thorough analysis to include economic trends, population trends, crime, rents -- the whole gamut of relevant data for a particular market.

I have an area in mind that is currently undesirable but based on market trends seems to be primed for growth in the next 5 years.Any advice on research I could conduct before diving in, or other avenues I could explore to start and build my portfolio would be greatly appreciated.

I love to stay tuned into the trends that are working for people who own rental properties.

But if you look at other global macro trends you see other things forming quicker and I won't get into that, but that doesn't mean this isn't coming.I'm very tempted for the first time ever to sit 100% cash and watch, I may do this as we enter first business week of June.

However, do note that Chattanooga is growing at a slower pace than Huntsville is—a trend that’s unlikely to change anytime soon.