If you want appreciation, identify markets with expanding industries, positive growth trends, and bright economic forecasts.

Key neighborhoods to look into include Avondale, Crestwood, and Highland Park—these areas have seen growth, attract young professionals, and offer solid rental potential.You don't have to visit in person, but it can help for peace of mind.

Here are some areas in Texas and Florida that are currently attractive for real estate investment due to economic growth, population increase, and urban development:In Texas:Austin:Reason: It's a tech hub that continues to attract major companies like Tesla, Oracle, and Apple, driving demand for housing.Opportunities: Residential properties, multifamily units, and commercial real estate.Dallas-Fort Worth:Reason: This is one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the U.S., with a diversified economy and a strong job market.Opportunities: Multifamily developments, long-term rental properties, and flipping projects.Houston:Reason: Known for its oil industry, Houston has diversified its economy into technology, healthcare, and manufacturing.Opportunities: Commercial and industrial real estate investments, as well as residential projects.San Antonio:Reason: It's experiencing continuous infrastructure growth and is more affordable compared to Austin and Dallas.Opportunities: Affordable housing and expanding development projects.In Florida:Orlando:Reason: Orlando’s tourism industry continues to drive growth, alongside its rising status as a tech and medical hub.Opportunities: Short-term rental properties, multifamily developments, and new residential construction.Tampa Bay:Reason: Tampa is experiencing a population boom and is considered one of the best places for job growth in Florida.Opportunities: Waterfront properties, new housing developments, and commercial real estate.Miami:Reason: As an international business hub, Miami is attractive to both investors and high-net-worth individuals looking for luxury real estate.Opportunities: High-end residential and commercial properties, luxury condos, and fix & flip projects.Sarasota:Reason: Known for its beaches and quality of life, Sarasota attracts retirees and families, boosting its real estate market.Opportunities: Residential developments, vacation rentals, and waterfront properties.

It's a balance between immediate growth and long-term security.

The growth is slow, and houses around are very much behind.

From my observations most investors are better off going through a more natural progression of growth.

Not ready to be investing in faraway lands and I feel like there are good opportunities near me for growth.

Canadian population growth and current vary favourable CMHC financing terms are likely mostly responsible for that, and both of those factors are above/more favourable than historical norms, so if your time horizon is long, then I would not count on appreciation/cap rate compression as part of your underwriting.

If you buy in a city with significant and sustained population growth, i.e., with high appreciation, you can use cash-out refinancing to buy additional properties with minimal additional capital from your savings.Lasts throughout your lifetime: For your tenants to continue paying similar rent, they must remain employed at comparable wages.

I personally like to buy in Columbus because of rising values from tech growth.