If these groups are significant, it suggests there’s pent-up demand that could enter the market when one of two things happen:Rates Drop - Rates fall to levels that allow more buyers to qualify for the homes they want.Buyer Expectations Shift - Buyers realize that 5% rates aren’t coming back soon and decide to move forward.Based on the increase in activity I saw in Sept and Oct in my business, when rates hit low 6s, I'd say my market has plenty of pent-up demand. 

There is no such thing as a "safe and stable" investment in real estate if you are going to be active or passive. you can buy the best property in the best area and have a tenant destroy the place or have it mismanaged that can cost you.Check out the syndication group on how many people were promised "safe" or guaranteed returns and lost little money to everything.

As Account Closed mentioned, the first question is to decide if you want to invest actively or passively. 

Many are looking to retire or shift out of active management, especially as interest rates rise.From what I’ve read in Bloomberg, Austin's market in 2025 remains highly competitive but still has opportunities in older neighborhoods and suburban areas.

Even including modest appreciation and equity pay down, the ROI is between 7% and 12% for a non passive holding (not good for an active holding)I can easily afford this level of negative, but do I want to?

Are there people in Fort Worth that are actively involved in wholesaling and/or fixing fliping?

For Livermore, the activity is slower compared to the general Bay Area so you would need to be more cautious on picking the right property to flip, and the margin has to be large enough for it to make sense.

I’m hopeful I’ll get good leads in the coming month, and I actively reach out to unmatched leads that may work, and I intend to try creative marketing and see what happens. 

I also want to be active in other rust-belt cities that are similar to Milwaukee and I want to be part of their eventual comeback: Cleveland, Detroit, Pittsburgh, St.

From what I’ve read in Bloomberg, markets like Omaha and Phoenix are seeing steady investor activity.