. - Going further out Brentwood and Oakley have appreciated quite a bit and have pretty good schools- Something with potential to add value: ADU attached to the main house or separately in the backyard in the future to get additional rent.

Begin by assessing the area's overall appeal, including factors like crime rates, school quality, and amenities.

He is more likely going to go back to school for a master's and/or find a fulfilling career, but we have no idea what that will look like or how much money he will make. 

But generally I think areas that are relatively inexpensive with low(er) crime, decent schools, a diversified job market and steady population growth are the best places to aim for.

I took an online course with Terrie O'Connor Realtors Real Estate School and it was great.

Little things can make a big difference as far has how long a house stays on market: school district, lot size, age of the home, flood zones (avoid) etc. 4.

I do live close by to a school, hospital, grocery store, gas station.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of these two types of markets and the factors that contribute to each:Cash Flow Market, a cash flow market is one where rental income exceeds the expenses of owning the property (mortgage, taxes, insurance, maintenance, and property management), resulting in positive monthly cash flow for the investor.Key Characteristics:High Rental Yields: Properties typically have high rental yields compared to their purchase prices.Stable or Slow Appreciation: Property values increase slowly over time, if at all.Lower Property Prices: Generally, property prices are lower, making it easier to achieve positive cash flow.Higher Rental Demand: Strong demand for rentals due to economic factors, demographics, or local employment conditions.Factors Contributing to Cash Flow Markets:Economic Stability: Stable job markets and steady local economies that support rental demand.Rental Market: High percentage of renters compared to homeowners.Affordability: Affordable property prices relative to rental income.Local Policies: Landlord-friendly laws and regulations.Appreciation Market, an appreciation market is one where property values increase significantly over time, offering substantial capital gains upon sale, but rental yields may be lower, resulting in lower monthly cash flow.Key Characteristics:High Property Value Growth: Significant annual increases in property values.Lower Rental Yields: Rental income may not cover the monthly expenses, leading to lower or even negative cash flow.Higher Property Prices: Generally higher property prices, which can make it harder to achieve positive cash flow.Strong Economic Growth: Rapid economic growth, population influx, and development.Factors Contributing to Appreciation Markets:Economic Boom: Strong local economy with job growth and high-paying industries.Population Growth: Influx of people moving to the area, increasing demand for housing.Infrastructure Development: Significant investments in infrastructure, amenities, and services.Desirability: High quality of life, good schools, and attractive neighborhoods.I hope this information finds you well. 

Husbands still look at neighborhood, property taxes, school districts and of course the garage lol.

I recently talked to a local insurance agent that has been assisting some of the out of town buyers with insurance policies and the majority of them have purchased these properties sight unseen without any knowledge of the neighborhood they're in, school district, condition of the home itself apart from the pictures with fresh paint and new countertop or even seeing the homes surrounding it that have been condemned by the city.