Hi Rachelle, Some good metrics to consider to help filter markets are; population growth, job growth, rent growth, income growth and job diversification.

Jason Layman I would disagree with Donald a bit...cashflow is made by other ways of structuring deals besides rentals...I started out buying notes on mobile homes to pay for college (broker) and realize that I should keep some of these for cashflow purposes...but diversification is always a good thing never bad...I currently buy hard assets as well as paper and I enjoy it....PM if you want to talk further about other ways of diversification

We've done a good bit of RV/vehicle storage and it is a great "space holder" while you build out your property and also offers some "diversification".

Better cash flowing with more diversification by having multiple tenants. 

It might make sense for you to get in touch with and investor or agent that understands Philly's diversification of neighborhoods.

I really like it as a diversification plan within my retirement funds. 

I understand diversification of your entire portfolio but would this be a “smart” idea?

not to mention diversification.

Next, I'd STRONGLY suggest mixing that portfolio for diversification with some good COC properties (MUST meet 1% rule MINIMUM).

What's the diversification of industries?