Population has been booming

I do not want to go into another vacation market but rather a metro area with a more diversified economy again just to get into a different type of asset.That being said I do want to continue to short term rent the next few properties we get at least in the first few years of ownership in order to increase cash flow to combat these higher prices and carrying costs before potentially converting to more passive long terms down the line.Therefore I am looking for markets that 1) have a decent draw of visitors year round 2) have regulations that allow strs in some parts of the city 3) Are in growing cities in the west or south.Below is a list of markets I have identified as potential places to look and I was hoping to get some insight from either other investors doing the same thing or agents/investors in any of these markets on whether this is potentially a good market to explore or not.1) Salt Lake City (this is right at the top of my list due to its proximity to ski resorts, expanding of the airport and long term strategic business planning of the area but I have very little knowledge of this market)2) Denver 3) Phoenix (used to live in AZ and like the fact that the state of AZ seems to look favorable on strs)4) Tucson (see above but lower home prices/potentially less appreciation)5) San Diego/LA (these are attractive because of their proximity to my home in Irvine)6) San Antonio (love that it is very close to the booming Austin and feel that this is a market that could see some real growth in the future)7) Tampa/St Pete (I have always been very interested in this market for both short term and long term rentals)8) Raleigh (have invested in Charlotte and love NC but again very little knowledge on this area)Any insights or advice on any of this would be greatly appreciated.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of these two types of markets and the factors that contribute to each:Cash Flow Market, a cash flow market is one where rental income exceeds the expenses of owning the property (mortgage, taxes, insurance, maintenance, and property management), resulting in positive monthly cash flow for the investor.Key Characteristics:High Rental Yields: Properties typically have high rental yields compared to their purchase prices.Stable or Slow Appreciation: Property values increase slowly over time, if at all.Lower Property Prices: Generally, property prices are lower, making it easier to achieve positive cash flow.Higher Rental Demand: Strong demand for rentals due to economic factors, demographics, or local employment conditions.Factors Contributing to Cash Flow Markets:Economic Stability: Stable job markets and steady local economies that support rental demand.Rental Market: High percentage of renters compared to homeowners.Affordability: Affordable property prices relative to rental income.Local Policies: Landlord-friendly laws and regulations.Appreciation Market, an appreciation market is one where property values increase significantly over time, offering substantial capital gains upon sale, but rental yields may be lower, resulting in lower monthly cash flow.Key Characteristics:High Property Value Growth: Significant annual increases in property values.Lower Rental Yields: Rental income may not cover the monthly expenses, leading to lower or even negative cash flow.Higher Property Prices: Generally higher property prices, which can make it harder to achieve positive cash flow.Strong Economic Growth: Rapid economic growth, population influx, and development.Factors Contributing to Appreciation Markets:Economic Boom: Strong local economy with job growth and high-paying industries.Population Growth: Influx of people moving to the area, increasing demand for housing.Infrastructure Development: Significant investments in infrastructure, amenities, and services.Desirability: High quality of life, good schools, and attractive neighborhoods.I hope this information finds you well. 

the population is booming and gentrification is in full swing...meaning, rents are up...way up.

The city's booming rental market driven by a growing population promises a consistent cash flow.

It’s expensive and time consuming to collect or foreclose—especially if you can adroitly throw wrenches in everything.Once you’ve done that you go negotiate.

The housing market experienced an unprecedented boom during the low interest rate period, leading to inflated prices and unsustainable growth.

I know small towns around DFW that are in need of nurses, so that those places are booming with AirBnB investors.And to reiterate don't overthink, I know for a fact, because is time wasted that you might not recover.When moving, the best is to have a guided hand to your side so look for that one, a friend, a family, a colleague, classmate, or even a realtor (don't get into the sales pitch and make sure that he provides what you are looking for).

In California, something that I see a lot, is people just let the tax collector take the property. 

Good quick read on several cities that witnessed home values appreciate aggressively during the Pandemic that are now softening.