Specifically, I want to evaluate a few markets for the purpose of buy-and-hold, cash-flow investment in residential properties (single-family houses or 2- to 4-unit multi-family properties), so I'm curious about the process employed by other investors to assess and contrast a handful of markets when determining where to invest.

Most will cost money but be quite comprehensive in their instruction.

He has an MBA from Harvard so I am confident in his comprehension of this economic danger.

Certainly Andrew was not sure that assessment was correct so he asked.

Entrust and Pensco are both good, have comprehensive services, nice web sites, etc.

And the neighborhood is fairly decent.Thats still cook county though but the numbers are great and the area is decent.But watch out for the taxes in Cook County.A house I have in richton park is assessed by the county at 135k and my taxes are over 5k.

Hence everyone needs to have an objective assessment to his own ability in order to decide what to do.

You can find rents on the MLS for listed rental units, but like everything else, you need to do the work to get some kind of comprehensive comp.Ultimately, the best way to find fair rents is to know what's for rent in the neighborhood of similar size/type.

It's a general answer, but it's been answered a lot of times and I think you can find a better, more comprehensive answer by using the search function.But I think it's great your starting and welcome to BP!

It all boils down to the numbers and assessing what return you what to receive.