A large proportion of the MLS listings are shown, but these are usually a few days old (in my experience good deals often get scooped before they hit web listings)

Let the gambling and hyperbole begin!

@Brad Koegel gambling can help to pay student loans quicker if done properly.

I mean appreciation in the short to medium term seems like a gamble but I assume some people are considering it a sure thing because from where I am sitting bad deals are bought and sold every day haha.

@Grin Dominee Alan just know that you are gambling on appreciation (which it is Hawaii the best place in the world) but if there is a correction now you are underwater and need a decade to recover.

CBRE , ARA , Marcus and Milichamp , Colliers , census bureau, department of labor stats, crime stats, check city web page for progressive growth, look for non profits that are bringing in business to the area, steady population growth, chamber of commerce, — Ask, is there progress or stagnation?

They make more money collecting insurance premiums then money they spend paying out insurance policies.It's like gambling at the casino.

My web site shows what the criteria is for acceptance. - it  income, what pets we do not allow, etc. so everyone can see this prior to aplying online. 

These days, even a quick web search will help you to shortlist the markets and a few hours of research each will be sufficient to validate the facts. 

There is so much info here on BP and on the web in general.