Depending on the number of jobs and number of new development going on in the area it may just be simple supply and demand.

The rental market is pretty rough here in the Austin area due to a glut of supply.

I know a few more people who's purchasing with him, from what I hear, every single closing was delayed due to supply shortages or other reason. 

There’s just not enough ADU supply (IN MY AREA) for appraisers to base off of.

To create rental income that enables financial freedom, you need a location that meets specific criteria.Rents increase faster than inflation: Prices and rents are driven by the imbalance between demand and supply.

@Shayan Sameer,The really brief answer is that most of TN is pretty affordable apart from Nashville, which is an expensive, supply-constrained metro.The median home price in Chattanooga, for example, is about $300,000, which is a little above your $200,000 budget.

That is smaller units built with higher density to make the numbers work for both buyers and builders.Adapting to these challenges isn’t easy, but it’s necessary to keep up with the market.What are your thoughts on how builders and developers can address affordability and supply issues. 

The process went smoothly, and I’m happy I got a tenant so fast, but the high supply of new builds in the area makes me nervous.

Rent growth is a function of supply, demand, and interest rates:- I'd ground any forecast by stating I expect national rents to rise on a pace more or less in line with inflation over any long time period. 2-3% per year.

I keep hearing that costs of labor and supplies are rising (when aren't they?)