Mesa and Gilbert are growing rapidly due to strong population influx and economic stability, making them particularly attractive for long-term investments.Why Mesa or Gilbert?

FICO Score Pct of Population Default Probability 800 or more 13.00% 1.00% 750-799 27.00% 1.00% 700-749 18.00% 4.40% 650-699 15.00% 8.90% 600-649 12.00% 15.80% 550-599 8.00% 22.50% 500-549 5.00% 28.40% Less than 499 2.00% 41.00% You are looking at S8 because you naively think it will solve all your tenant problems.NOT TRUE!

However, this area does have a growing population adjacent and high forecasted median income growth.

Canadian population growth and current vary favourable CMHC financing terms are likely mostly responsible for that, and both of those factors are above/more favourable than historical norms, so if your time horizon is long, then I would not count on appreciation/cap rate compression as part of your underwriting.

Here are some areas in Texas and Florida that are currently attractive for real estate investment due to economic growth, population increase, and urban development:In Texas:Austin:Reason: It's a tech hub that continues to attract major companies like Tesla, Oracle, and Apple, driving demand for housing.Opportunities: Residential properties, multifamily units, and commercial real estate.Dallas-Fort Worth:Reason: This is one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the U.S., with a diversified economy and a strong job market.Opportunities: Multifamily developments, long-term rental properties, and flipping projects.Houston:Reason: Known for its oil industry, Houston has diversified its economy into technology, healthcare, and manufacturing.Opportunities: Commercial and industrial real estate investments, as well as residential projects.San Antonio:Reason: It's experiencing continuous infrastructure growth and is more affordable compared to Austin and Dallas.Opportunities: Affordable housing and expanding development projects.In Florida:Orlando:Reason: Orlando’s tourism industry continues to drive growth, alongside its rising status as a tech and medical hub.Opportunities: Short-term rental properties, multifamily developments, and new residential construction.Tampa Bay:Reason: Tampa is experiencing a population boom and is considered one of the best places for job growth in Florida.Opportunities: Waterfront properties, new housing developments, and commercial real estate.Miami:Reason: As an international business hub, Miami is attractive to both investors and high-net-worth individuals looking for luxury real estate.Opportunities: High-end residential and commercial properties, luxury condos, and fix & flip projects.Sarasota:Reason: Known for its beaches and quality of life, Sarasota attracts retirees and families, boosting its real estate market.Opportunities: Residential developments, vacation rentals, and waterfront properties.

@Leana RugglesTo rent to college students, look for homes near campuses or with large student populations.

You buy in a desirable area, with population growth.2.

Look into local economic indicators, such as job growth, population trends, and migration patterns, to gauge potential demand in specific neighborhoods.Rental Demand: Investigate rental demand in the areas you're considering.

Cities with declining or stagnant populations have lower-cost properties and higher initial cash flow.

See the chart from Fair Isaac Company (FICO) below: FICO Score Pct of Population Default Probability 800 or more 13.00% 1.00% 750-799 27.00% 1.00% 700-749 18.00% 4.40% 650-699 15.00% 8.90% 600-649 12.00% 15.80% 550-599 8.00% 22.50% 500-549 5.00% 28.40% Less than 499 2.00% 41.00% Source: Fair Isaac CompanyAccording to this chart, investors should use corresponding vacancy+tenant-nonperformance factors of approximately 5% for Class A rentals, 10% for Class B and 20% for Class C.To address Class C payment challenges, many industry "experts" are now selling programs to newbie investors about how Section 8 tenants are the cure.