Real estate usually has a 2-3 month lag and follows other economy indicators.

If the seller is requesting cash offers, this is pretty indicative that they don't want to play any games.

he's right, just look at the stock market run-up from March lows (fed emptying its clip didn't stop the drop and ridiculous economic indicators have not stopped this run-up (S&P rallied on days that showed huge unemployment #s...) ).

The fact they are complaining online might be an indication the property manager dealt with them properly so be sure to ask the manager for their side of the story.7.

Especially when you want to live in it for a while.But the numbers do not indicate that this is a great investment on a cash flow basis. 

This website also tracks the foreclosures and rent payment and would be a good way to indicate how an area is performing.

Does that just indicate a bad market for real estate?

I have not heard any indication of when the Pulaski County Judges will start issuing Writs again or when the Sheriff's Office will resume enforcing them. 

Finding the former is easier said than done, but often times a full credit report is a good indication of how financially responsible someone is.

I did a post a while back on what key indicators to look for but it uses actual stats and is really good for vetting various cities and areas.