The appealing aspect here is the ongoing population growth and other economic factors.

I believe Raleigh has favorable macro-economic factors, yet is still semi-affordable compared to other hot markets such as San Diego, Denver, and Seattle. 

Factors to consider include population characteristics, economics, climate, and overall stability.

@Alan F.Every market will react differently depending on the the supply an demand and the economic drivers in that local economy.

More people probably looking in the cheaper/median priced areas as well with inflation kind of hitting peoples wallets more the last year or two.I think updating the units and being more aggressive on price is really all you can do since we obviously aren't in control of the economic factors.

If you want appreciation, identify markets with expanding industries, positive growth trends, and bright economic forecasts.Read this article on the "core 4".

So, keep in mind what a good tenant expects in your area.For example, if you have an existing GAS furnace and central air conditioning already a simple replacement of the gas furnace gets people what is likely to be an economical heat source while also providing a/c which many rentals don't have.

I am pretty sure they are only economically motivated since no one in Cincinnati actually discriminates based on race other than 2 and 3 family owner occupied units.

Anyone have any economical advice to satisfy these requirements?

But the basic economics of supply and demand dictate that prices weren't likely to do much but go up for awhile.