Many more factors need to be looked at such as the growth or decline of the potential income, the increase in value of the property, and any alternative investments available.""

I usually look at job growth/unemployment, population growth and vacancy rates in the area.

I spend my time looking for deals, creating new strategies, and growth.

We have also done some behind the scenes stuff to prepare us for future growth.

I believe Austin is a wonderful city with excellent growth prospects due to the high quality companies, university and capitol.My newb questions are:1.

Austin is leading the way in TX and the US in growth and real estate demand.

Population growth can be reasonably forecasted.Those with a longer time horizon probably (and rightly so) don't care too much about peaks and valley's.

I live in Charlotte, NC and I feel as though this is an excellent place for growth and I definitely can say that this market has been real good to me.

I hope it's a smooth transition for you.I have to compliment you on your investment philosophy, which I am a huge advocate of, "investing to me is buying and holding with a medium to long term view for capital growth, whereas, flipping is a business or trading to make a profit".

Some areas are looking at price drops seehttp://www.inman.com/2014/05/12/home-price-growth-cools-but-unsustainable-and-unhealthy-in-some-large-markets/#.U4ZCrijijy4Affordability - credit at 43% DTI is an issue for many buyers.http://www.homebuyinginstitute.com/news/fha-debt-to-income-296/Your business plan:Look at A and B neighborhoods.Market towholesalers that have leads with no equity in A and B neighborhoods.listed houses, expireds, landlords, fsbos, and houses purchased at the top of the market (2006 - 2008) for low equity.Offer lease option assignments, sub2 purchase or wrap purchase, use a RMLO and a good lawyer.Market for Owner financing buyers.Give speeches to Rotary, Lions, Chamber, etc. about solving problems for young families' housingPost cards to apartment buildings and rentalsWrite blogs about rent to own, credit being tight, etc.Create a meet up group for "Get Your Lease 2 Own Home Now"BOTTOM LINE.SOLVE PROBLEMS FOR SELLERS AND BUYERS.