To thrive, begin by studying the nearby real estate market, grasping property values, rental rates, and vacancy rates.

Some of my favorite area codes are 27107 and 27127. 27127 is a big area code so you really need to study it to make sure it’s not a problem area. 27107 is the outskirts of Winston Salem where you will find more houses in neighborhood/family type of areas.

But real education takes real time, study, effort, and desire.  

A study published by the CCIM institute looked at 50 years of history and reverse-engineered the interest costs of 5-year fixed and floating loans over 562 starting points and found that floating rate borrowers “won” 72% of the time.

Doing sun studies to see what will cast shadows on the panels and what the true average of sunny days is for your location.

Yeah, it’s as long and boring as a bad movie, but you got to sift through it—or better yet, get a lawyer who loves that kind of horror show.2.

I just took all my real estate classes and am studying for the test now and was wondering the same thing as you. 

I have been diligently reading, studying, and beginning to practice analyzing cash flows of properties within Chicago and some Chi suburban areas.While I try to use whatever tools I have at my disposal and also be conservative with my numbers while analyzing properties (vacancy percentage, expenses, etc) I believe that in some areas of my analyses, I may not be getting the most accurate information.For everyone out there, where do you get your rental estimates by location?

Be sure to study up to see what is best for you.

I recommend a boring long term rental, 1980 or later build, in a good area.