Internal Revenue Service: Statistics of Income Migration Data (SoI Migration)Census Bureau: Value of Construction Put in Place Survey (VIP)Census Bureau: Current Population Survey - (CPS)Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): Survey of Construction (SoC)Census Bureau: Survey of Market Absorption of New Multifamily Units (SOMA)Remember that real estate is hyperlocal and it's important not only to find a market that posses mostly positive indicators but also a sub-market that has the same positive characteristics.

Foreclosures do not have the characteristics of being motivated.

Be careful when first entering the market if you're new to it as there are many properties that look great on paper but have one or more adverse characteristics that may prevent you from realizing the gains you project. 

Below is an example of a segment’s housing requirement:Rent range: $1,500/Mo. to $1,850/Mo.Type: Single-familyConfiguration: 3+ bedrooms, 2+ baths, 2+ car garage, 1,200 SF to 2,100 SFLocation: North of the river and east of Line Rd.Every property has specific characteristics, such as the one listed below:Rent: $1,700/Mo.Type: Single-familyConfiguration: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2 car garage, 1,500 SFLocation: North of the river and east of Line Rd.The characteristics of this property match the housing requirements of the example segment.Note: If you buy a property that does not meet ALL of a segment's housing requirements, you are intentionally excluding this segment from renting your property.Choose the Segment FirstA rental property is only as good as the tenant who occupies it.

A lot can happen after a major winter like we have had this winter up here.I have experienced the justified characteristics of plaster demolition being messy.

Speed, communication, reliability are all important characteristics in a good contractor.

What characteristics about small apartment complexes seem to make them fit in this scenario?

Let's start with location considerations.LocationSome location characteristics to watch for:Long term major employer outlook, both the market segment(s) and the specific companies.

Because they have different characteristics from each other. 

Typically, I note two characteristics about these properties.