Many of the best longer term markets are in a correction now (TX/FL).There is no particular formula, but the closest proxy would be population growth and 10Yr historical price increase which aggregates many factors together.

The population is growing, the job market is growing, and there are so many major companies moving and developing out here like Intel, Amazon, Google, Meta, etc.

Specifically, there's job growth (Intel, Honda, Amazon, Nationwide, etc) and the population is growing (unlike Cleveland or Cincy).

We use less water now than 20 years ago after adding 20% to our population. 

SROs once populated much of NYC and has since been phased out through renovation, demolition and updates to properties.

. #2 Research the various markets you're looking into (population / job / economic growth currently going on in those markets) and then make your selection. #3 Start working with an investor focused lender / realtor / property manager and get good at analyzing numbers. #4 Once you're comfortable with everything and you find a deal you like, pull the trigger.

Urbana has one of the only Level 1 trauma center hospitals in the state located outside of metro Chicago, the university is a source of furnished housing, and Champaign county is one of only a few counties in IL with a growing population. 

When compared to the overall population, you are in the minority by holding multiple properties.

Population has hovered around the 200k mark for 10+ years.

But I will not invest in Linden, even if it changed.The main tenant pool in Columbus is the student population around OSU.