I like Grand Rapids: above average population growth, diversified and modernized economy and cultural depth in art and craft brewery scene which I think makes it desirable.

We have grown quite rapidly in Ohio (Columbus and Cincinnatti), and have doubled our portfolio size again in the last year.

Initially, optimizing appreciation may seem counterintuitive, but property values will rise faster than you can accumulate income in a rapidly appreciating market.

Here in Cedar Rapids Bob Miell was at one point the largest private landlord in Cedar Rapids...he owned approximately 80million dollars worth of real estate.

A good deal in a bad area can turn into a bad deal in a few years if people are leaving, job growth is stagnant, or rent growth can't support the median income, etc.On the flip side a great area with an okay deal can improve because rents continue to increase rapidly, occupancy stays low because there are always people looking to rent, etc.Obviously you want to find a great deal in a strong area, but the most important thing about real estate is location because that will never change.

There has been talk about fixing some of this recently, but I wouldn't count on it happening rapidly.

Also, the weather "anywhere that is not SoCal"  adds an element of "more rapid exterior deterioration" that is of course not seen in SoCal, and this must be budgeted for. 

@Larry FlanaganMany businesses are people motivated, you take the people out, my company is worth about as much as our computers (rapidly depreciating technical assets). 

We were certainly the world's superpower in the 80's, 90's, and today, but that is rapidly changing.

I have tried several but none compare What do you like most about the BP podcasts as opposed to others, say like an attorney or property manager.....The comics, the rapid fire questions, the content.....what?