For instance, there is no specific pattern to reach the top of the ladder in this industry.

Everyone has a unique sleep pattern.

This question got me thinking because I hadn't researched the migration companies or top companies lately, and I found a couple of cool articles.Here is one on the migration patterns over the last two years.https://www.census.gov/library....And then I was looking up top companies in Indianpolis to see if rankings had changed and found this article.https://livability.com/in/indi...I think the economic diversity is the best thing Indy has going for it. 

I was hoping there would be some patterns or similarities between countries, but I guess it wouldn't be that easy. 

If that person happens to be the owner of the house, a subtle difference can make a difference between closing a deal or getting cursed for unwanted marketing call.And to one or another degree this same pattern of interaction will follow you anywhere you go, be it a networking meeting, conversation with the lender, a realtor , an attorney and so on.

speaking just from my experience it seems like after a car has shown a series of break downs, the pattern just continues. 

Do you see a pattern of responsibility with a tenant that suggests they'll also be responsible with your place?

Great idea for a thread and I follow a similar pattern as you.

Lots of markets look great on paper and generally speaking the REI market is a reasonably free one such that rewards are balanced pretty well with the risk profile of that market.For sure you should consider proximity, job & migration patterns, "landlord friendliness" of the local laws et al when choosing a target market, but to rip off David Greene's point: just about any RE market works if the investor has a solid roster of business partners in their Core Four.If you want cash flow, go to the MidwestIf you want appreciation potential, go where the population & rental growth numbers look strongIf you want a market where you can be there in a day if there's an emergency, limit your search to California, Nevada, Arizona & SW Utah

Its a double topping pattern in real estate.