I’m currently in the research phase for obtaining my first property, and I am looking to gain insight on market trends, investment strategies, and project management.

Don't forget interest rates are trending down, so you might be able to move it quickly. 

Currently, I have a little over 100 properties and am starting to notice trends.

Residential subdivisions, while potentially less complex, can be hit-or-miss depending on local housing trends and the cost of infrastructure development. 

Also, townhomes are a great bridge property, it's a common trend that those in townhomes are aspiring for home ownership meaning credit sensitive and with that right mindset. 

The "online leads" trend becomes a vast pool of scams, each one discovering a new and "better" way to find motivated sellers via SEO/Paid adds/Social Media etc, and automatically aims to make a profit from selling those so-called leads.

Here is my simple Top 5:1.Review the market – Understand the trends and conditions in the area.2.Analyze the property and the numbers – Ensure the deal makes financial sense.3.Visit the property – There’s no substitute for seeing it firsthand.4.Meet the team – Whether it’s your property manager, builder, or contractor, relationships matter.5.Complete inspections and appraisals – These protect you from costly surprises.If all these boxes are checked and the numbers work for your goals, then it’s likely a solid deal.

With just these numbers to go on, if I felt the neighborhood is solid/trending up and not down and assuming your rent projection is realistic, I'd buy it. 

This is a growing trend in rentals to increase cash flow and help your community with affordable housing! 

What trends and indicators do you look at to keep your thumb on the pulse of market health and trajectory?