If you are looking at a deal that has a Realtor, builder aan Property manage all involved in the deal makes a deal very easy for a first time investor to navigate.Look for the market first and find an area that is growing in population and jobs.Let em know if I can help more. 

Does focusing on macro trends (Population growth, rental and appreciation growth, good jobs) offset the 1% rule?

Look for a market that is growing in population and jobs so that you can get in the way of obvious appreciation. 

City proper has been on 5 year bear market completely unrelated to anything political, the suburbs have been adding inventory since the summer but are still very low but any measure and have actually gotten tighter the last few month, while I am open to the idea these cuts could eventually have some effect on the market, about 20% of the dc area is federal employees, let’s say the federal government cut the work force 25% which would be huge, that’s 5% of the population, but a good number of those people are either two income households where one person works in the private and/or the person being laid can go get a similar job in the provide sector l, the percentage of households who would be forced to sell thier house over this is likely in very low single digits.

Here are my two cents...I recommend starting in a market with strong fundamentals, such as steady population growth, an influx of major corporations or large businesses relocating to the area, an affordable cost of living, and high rental demand.

So, this really is a large portion of the tenant population whether its issues like this or others. 

So even though there may be a decline in population, it almost doesn't matter because there isn't enough housing to go around anyways.

The rent-to-price ratios are strong, property values remain relatively affordable compared to many other cities, and the city has been seeing real economic and population growth.I invest in Detroit myself and have built a portfolio of 12 doors there.

Finding deals outside of California can definitely open up new opportunities, especially given the cost of living and market dynamics in the state.When looking for properties in other states, consider focusing on areas with strong rental demand, economic growth, and population increase.

•North Port’s Population is Growing – More demand over time means more rental stability.7.