From what I've gathered so far, the #1 factor to look at when evaluating a market is jobs.The chart above shows the total number of jobs available (Green) and the total number of people employed (Blue) in Fresno CA.You can see there's a definite uptrend since the recession (Grey).

For someone that's not as conservative, or a different view on the next recession, they might have a different opinion than me on all of this2) Sponsor quality check: (takes about 45 minutes per deal)I believe that a great sponsor can take an average looking deal and make it great, and that in mediocre sponsor can take a fantastic looking deal and make it bad (especially if there is a severe recession).

Given the student loan crisis, the recession, and washington....

Choose the surrounding area of top markets that people are migrating to - surrounding area is priced cheaper that the actual top market areaChoose a market that are consistently below the national median - reduce risk during recession Choose a market that have a low price to rent ratio - increase cashflowChoose a market that has many starter SFH for LTR - Starter homes are in consistent demandChoose a partner with a solid track record and a proven system to partner up with - learn from someone who has done what you want to do at least 10x over

Also, many contractors got out of the trade during the recession and becomes cooks and accountants.

During the Great Recession, many found that their HELOCs had their lines frozen, meaning folks had to pay it back according to the original agreement, but couldn't draw upon it any more (relevant to the "I have a HELOC and will wait for the supposed downturn that is allegedly always right around the corner to purchase!"

I sold it a couple years before the "great recession" began to buy my first multifamily,  a triplex.   

Assets are expensive now, but they will adjust as we enter a recession and rates continue to climb.Owning real estate is a business, and if you can't make a profit, then there is no reason to be in the business.

Europe missed a recession this winter b/c of energy crisis.1.

But with that being said, I'm noticing a trend of strident attacks in both social media and the press related to rising rental costs in the US anytime discussion of lower home ownership rates since the Great Recession ended.