New Orleans is my market too.

In high barrier markets, rents have gotten stronger but not the double digit growth we had seen, which was an anomaly.  

Unless you are sourcing properties yourself off-market, REI became much more challenging in 2023, and downright brutal since the start of 2024 here.   

Are they at market rent, or locked into below-market rates?

I just dont think it was pre meditated stealing. 

Unless you have $5 - 10k MONTHLY to spend on marketing this is what you need to do to have any chance for success with wholesaling.  

I live in a very expensive market (Seattle, WA) and I am looking to invest out of State.

Market forces are pushing and pulling but not a source of anything breaking.

It was a true trade-off as the Logan area is more limited in STRs and new builds so ADRs are higher and likely to stay there compared to RRG where the market is headed towards being flooded and there's the potential of ADRs going down like in Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area. 

Mine have appreciated off of the charts in the Charlotte metro market.