Nobody likes to work hard in the heat.The biggest concern in the past has been winter, but 2024 was the warmest year on record and we have seen +3F on average in every season, which really took the edge of winter (you can call it brown grass season now) while summers are pleasant 75-85F.The cost of living is low, yet the quality of live is relatively high.

Question: assuming an ideal brrrr that has all investment extracted at the refinance, why would you choose a low cost market over a high cost market?

The risk of property damage or a lawsuit from a dog bite is too high. 

How bad is the insurance, how high are the property taxes, is there an Hoa, etc etc. 

The payments and interest are high.

@Calvin Thomas would you do $100 cashflow if it was a high appreciation low vacancy market?

Taxes : Taxes have been a brewing crisis nationwide for sometime, Chicago is another prime example of a major municipality struggling under high debt load.

Also in many areas prices are very high.

that we’ve learned in our 24 years, managing almost 700 doors across the Metro Detroit area, including almost 100 S8 leases:Class A Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, 3-5 years for positive cashflow, but you get highest relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% the more recent norm.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 680+ (roughly 5% probability of default), zero evictions in last 7 years.Class B Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, decent amount of relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% should be applied only if proper research done to support.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 620-680 (around 10% probability of default), some blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 5 yearsClass C Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, high cashflow and at the lower end of relative rent & value appreciation.

Here are some indicators to help you assess a buyer's seriousness:Questions: Serious buyers will ask detailed questions about the property, such as maintenance costs, neighborhood amenities, and property taxesStrong Offer: If a buyer makes a strong offer quickly, it often indicates a high level of interest and intent to purchasePrivate Buyers: If approached by a private buyer, ensure they provide a Letter of Intent (LOI) and proof of funds.