Airbnb is the market leader in the Southeast.

I am a provider in the southeast, but always happy to help investors get pointed in the right direction even it's not to do it.

Hey Hey @Veronica Mitchell - The most simple advice is to follow the CTA trainlines.I personally love the South East Corridor of Chicago which has Bronzesville, Kenwood, Washington Park, Hyde Park, Woodlawn, and South Shore.That area will continue to be gentrified because you have the lakefront and CTA trains.Others mentioned NW along the Blue and West along the Pink, Green, and Blue lines.

With the exception of some small markets in the Southeast, places like Cleveland are the only major metro areas where a regular investor can find cash-flowing assets with a mix of appreciation. 

I myself have been a Licensed Real Estate Agent in Southeast Michigan since 2021 when I turned 20 years old, and have took a bit of a hiatus since now to finish my Bachelors in Business Administration.

They do public debt funds, apartment complexes (in Southern California and the Southeast), car washes and self storage.

If you go this route, consider properties in higher cash-flow markets like the Midwest or Southeast.

The midwest is not growing as fast as the south and southeast.

Target ReturnsWhile target returns are crucial, these should be discussed only with investors—not brokers or others helping you find deals.Sample Investment CriteriaHere’s an example of well-defined CCC:Location: Primary and secondary cities in the Southeast with population growth.Type & Class: Class C garden-style or walk-up workforce housing with repositioning opportunities.Age: 1980s construction or newer (case-by-case for older).Price: $5M–$12M, requiring $1.5M–$3M in funds.Size: 100+ units.Cap Rates: Market rates.Roof Type: Pitched roofs preferred.Value-Add: Opportunities for improvements or better management.Why This MattersBy creating crystal clear criteria, you:Avoid wasting time on deals that don’t align with your goals.Build trust with brokers and partners by demonstrating a focused investment strategy.Increase your chances of finding deals that meet your financial and operational objectives.I'll be posting each chapter as I go through them so you can follow along from my notes and we can discuss different strategies.

These are top drive-to destinations for much of the Southeast, so short-term rentals here can generate solid cash flow, especially during peak seasons.The area is also seeing steady growth, with more infrastructure and amenities being added to support visitors and new residents.