.)- Average days on market- Absorption rate- Historical data on rents and sale prices in the area- Population growth- Main economic drivers (industries, individual companies, etc.)- Crime stats... if you know specific zip codes/submarkets that you'd like to target, the best data will come from local precincts. - and more..I'd recommend remaining active not only here on BiggerPockets, but in other valuable RE investment networks that you can find - i.e. local meetups (meetup.com, eventbrite, BP local events). 

That's how I started, with a company called Flip More Deals (currently called the Growth Collective) they were very hands on and helped me through the entire process and connected me with a lender and gap funder, very hands on you should check them out.

From what I read in The Economist, these Sun Belt regions often see steady population growth which can drive healthy rent appreciation.

A strong “Core 4” can make managing your investment remotely much smoother and prevent a lot of headaches.Also, as you narrow down cities, pay close attention to factors like job growth, population trends, landlord-tenant laws, and short-term rental regulations.Happy to connect with you, and good luck as you jump in!

If not, you must return to work to make up the difference between your rental income and inflation-driven prices.What determines rent growth?

For a relatively "safe" creative financing, one needs serious reserves (lots of moolah) and the ability to sell or refinance quickly when one of those "hiccups" occur.The gurus usually collect a large fee, from people who have neither money, reserves, nor experience.

It's education, resources, ability to talk to Pace and his team in zooms, as well as put you in a community of like minded people, also the amount of opportunity within the community is endless. 

Network with experienced investors, choose a real estate strategy, research markets with job and population growth, learn financing options, familiarize yourself with property management, develop a long-term plan, and leverage your stock experience to evaluate markets and trends.Good luck!

First things first, when assessing property managers, it is crucial to prioritize their ability to collect rent and manage delinquencies.

Many of our investors choose areas that have low land cost and steady population growth.