I like to know the "why behind the numbers"My one caveat is don't obsess too much about the numbers of the "market", as if the deal is good and the fundamentals are strong on a property and an area, the market will always adjust in cycles, though the severity of those adjustments varies tremendously from one city to the next.I tend to like boring markets in terms of appreciation, because they provide steady cash flow and I can sleep at night easier.For more basic stuff you can look at zillow and trulia's stats, although I'd take their valuations with a grain of salt. 

Dallas, Houston, Phoenix, and Salt Lake City are all pretty hot markets, but do your own due diligence. 

There are some things realtors can't give opinions on due to anti housing discrimination laws, but any agent worth their salt should be able to provide you with rental comps from the MLS

I am still a newbie to REI, so take that all with a grain of salt.

LOL.. one thing I don't like though is the SALT  who thought that one up !!!    

I'll take them with a grain of salt to decision making.

Take his words with a grain of salt.

Pinch of salt required with any.Might also recon:"Passive Investing In Commercial Real Estate": by James KandasamySyndicating Is a B*tch: And Other Truths You Haven't Been Told" 'by @Bruce Petersen (Free still, I think) 

Does anyone know of groups (non-institutional) and/or individual contacts acquiring multifamily in Salt Lake City, Phoenix, Texas and/or Nevada that would be willing to speak to a professional looking to pivot towards the next step of being an owner?

Had 3 close friends move in the last year to: Austin area, Boise, Salt Lake City.