Marcus & Millichap bullishly forecasts continued increase in rents due to stronger demand and higher incomes.

These areas have good rental demand and opportunities to add value through light renovations.Build Your Team: Work with a realtor familiar with investment properties (like me!)

Antioch is a growing market with strong rental demand and opportunities for appreciation.

There needs to be demand.

Currently, I’m actively expanding my portfolio in Austin, Tempa, Dallas, Houston, where I’ve seen significant growth and demand for multifamily housing.

It’s worth considering self managing as a STR for depreciation benefits if the demand is there 

Yes, you need to post a demand for nonpayment of rent (or something similar) immediately.

A supply and demand imbalance drives rents and prices higher.

The rental market is already showing signs of recovery:Spring Is Coming: Historically, the rental market picks up momentum in the spring as tenants prepare to move during warmer months or ahead of the school year.Early 2025 Trends Are Positive: In just the first week of January, we’ve seen a dramatic increase in rental applications, suggesting pent-up demand from renters who delayed their searches in November and December.What Landlords Can Do NowTo make the most of this recovery, consider:Refreshing Your Listings: Update your photos, descriptions, and pricing to ensure your properties stand out.Offering Incentives: Temporary discounts or move-in bonuses can help fill vacancies quickly.Being Patient: The market is already bouncing back, so don’t panic if your property takes a bit longer to lease than usual.What’s been your experience?

Rent growth is a function of supply, demand, and interest rates:- I'd ground any forecast by stating I expect national rents to rise on a pace more or less in line with inflation over any long time period. 2-3% per year.