I will be compiling the last five years of unemployment, population, population age, job diversity, supply & demand, and the top employers in each city.

Research and compile a list of apartment owners and directly call them to discuss their properties and your interest in purchasing.

At the same time I was hoping to compile and share findings here.

You can also buy lists from companies like list source and there are some REI software companies that have a cash buyer search feature.Some of best ways to find motivated sellers is to purchase lists from companies like listsource and or compile lists from city and county like 60-90-120 days late on mortgage, pre-foreclosure, delinquent taxes, water cutoff, code violation, probate, divorce, etc.

I am reading articles, listing to podcasts, compiling a recommended reading list (reading "The One Thing" currently).  

There are multiple options available for screening packages; tenant involvement/no tenant involvement, instant reports, hand-compiled reports, and even income verification.You can find further information by going to Tenant Screening under the Tools tab.Best of luck to you!

Never unconditionally give them back the security deposit ahead of time since you need to hold onto all the leverage you can get.It's nice that you have compiled resources for them to contact but be sure that you're not handing them the keys to call a lawyer that will help them in a plight to become professional tenants.

@Mathios Yonan okay Mat, I'll assist you in compiling a different point of view into your already formulated and ongoing research: Rising inflation costs: This is usually a good thing in regards to real estate and those that ALREADY own real estate because they, will likely see an increase in their property value and in turn their net worth.

There are multiple options available for screening packages; tenant involvement/no tenant involvement, instant reports, hand-compiled reports, and even income verification.You can find further information by going to Tenant Screening under the Tools tab.Best of luck to you!

As with all OOS property investment, make sure you have compiled a good team of professionals (realtor, GC, Property manager).