My mentor @Sterling White told me about Fort Wayne, IN.I know nothing about Fort Wayne so I have the following action steps this week:1) Ask my lender if he lends in Fort Wayne2) My PM says he does not manage in Fort Wayne so I have to research a good Fort Wayne PM3) Determine the bad parts and good parts in FW4) See the population and median income growth trends in FW5) See what are the economic anchors in Fort Wayne (major universities, hospitals, businesses, industry employers)Busy week coming up. 

The trend is changing over the decades.

You'll want someone who is a little educated in REI to check out properties in person, take pictures and meet with contractors, etc.as far as markets that I would want to start looking at, I would do as much research on the hottest upcoming places that people are migrating to, that haven't blown up yet.

So like all rate hike trends the market will follow suit and we will start to climb back up on most transactions. 

I’m looking to invest into a strong growing market with gentrification, population and job trending is moving steadily upwards .

I'm still looking to get my first property this year, but from my what I've been reading up on it'd be beneficial to look at projections: migration flow, rental trends, job growth, town/city development plans.There are a few other factors I'm sure I've neglected but some thought starters nonetheless!

My goal is a blend of both, although it seems like the property appreciation is the more likely option for me, seeing that my analysis is showing that positive cash flow is not going to be attainable (initially), but that should change as rental prices trend upwards.Do you do a lot of the repairs yourself, or do you hire out the work?

Just wondering if you have a news article or some data on this migration trend?

@Anna Urbina I'd look at the following:Population growingJobs growingJobs diversifiedIncome growingSchools are goodVacancy trending downPoverty trending downCrime trending downLandlord friendlyThen, take note of what competitive advantages you have. 

With the internet, trends have become uniform across the board with some spurts of creativity throughout, however, I always appreciate when someone thinks outside the box and makes a place unique.