How can I assess the area as a good place to buy (good appreciation, developing, population/industry growth), before I buy?

In 2008, the fed and govt had to bail out the banks and automotive industry .

Since imitation is the highest form of flattery, I’d start with finding people in other industries that you admire.

@Joe Kooner When I say “refine goals”, I mean things like variety of industries in a market, employment drivers, city size, etc.

Go into any of the work trailers at the industrial complex in my town and you'll see calendars of scantily clad women with my advertising and phone number on it. 

I've been playing parallel to the real estate industry for years in that I have built my own interior design business for 10+ yrs and 'flipped' each of the homes I've lived in.

@Kristina XieMetro Detroit (my rental portfolio is here)Purchase: $80k-$130kRent: $1200-$1450ROI: Double DigitCash flow: $200-$350/month Appreciation: Double digit (for past 10 years, will gladly send data)Location: C, B- (suburbs and certain markets)We have over a dozen Fortune 500 companies just in Metro Detroit with huge Healthcare and Auto industries.

When house prices outpace incomes, reversion to the mean happens Everything else is simply Noise or the RE Industrial Complex trying to sustain the narrative. 

Wholesaling is a good way to get into the industry without alot of capital.

Personal stats that obviously doesnt depict the industry as a whole.