I moved here as an outsider in June 2016 and by June 2017 I will have at least 12 units in the area, my goal is 13.While I always do what you do, that is I ask local investors for their perceptions of their market, I find that's not an accurate way to assess a region.

I preface it with my personal defination of the grading system because there is no right or wrong answer.Same thing with me James,Everyone has a different perception on this.I always share mine from an Ohio standpoint of view and considering myself an average blue collar working class guy :)Thanks

Rates are still at historic lows, and so it's only a matter of perception.

The power of perception!

But, off that, my point is assessing yourself to be better informed, to set goals, to guide your efforts, to understand the societal matters, should you take all someone has saved to put them in a house and then allow them to fail?

Not saying that's what you're proposing, just a perception from cities you may be faced with.We got our start in real estate house hacking our primary residence renting an ADU as a short-term rental.

In my short tenure as a RE investor, inherited tenants have been my biggest "X factor" when it comes to trying to stabilize a property with regards to cash flow and return.My advice to you would be professional but firm with them, as the initial interactions will set the perception in their minds whether you are "fly by night" pushover landlord, or someone who is running a business.  

It seems like the colder months would be much slower, but I'm not sure if that's perception or reality. 

@todd dexheimerThat  bigger commercial deals are easier to finance than smaller deals seems to be the perception, but the untold truths in most cases are the following:  1. 

Too many people place there own lifestyle perceptions upon others, thinking it's gotta be a scam, why wouldn't they just buy.