Appreciation1.Stable-or-better outlook for the economy (this one is complicated)2.Low $/sqr ft (<$50 is ideal)3.Low cost of living in the city4.Larger lot in a neighborhood with larger lots5.Diversified economy6.Non-Extreme climate7.Property doesn’t have any significant negatives (high road noise, power lines, hills, odor, etc.)8.Housing market trends must make sense9.Decent or better city to live in.10.A decent sized city or larger (maybe one of the biggest 75 MSA in the US.

Very big money is investing, and the outlook for appreciation is positive.

Seriously man, if you are going to turn it around, your outlook may need to change a bit.

As we saw in the last run-up in housing people get crazy when the market reaches euphoric levels.In addition to interest rates, you have to look at government housing policies, the entire economic outlook, incomes, etc.

What I do know about the town is there are a lot of rentals, the base is the biggest employer and the economic outlook is foggy.

At the same time though we were out looking for those first deals.

Keaton"..sorry for the younger members who don't know who that isAgain, I just wanted to say thank you for changing my outlook on retirement and life, but also helping me teach my kids about true economics.

Look for reports from the local chamber of commerce or business outlooks published by industry groups.

Whatever city Amazon picks will be interesting as I see techies needing entertainment, convenience of Ride Share companies and food deliveries, healthy political outlook from their politicians, and easy commute from airports to public transportation systems as they don’t Like owning cars.  

The outlook for the single-family market remains very strong.