My opinion for those that live in a high cost of living market is to continue living / renting in that market and invest in a different market that is affordable and provides both cash-flow and appreciation potential.The reason to stay in the HCOL market is because you will be paid(hopefully) a nice large salary.You can take this salary to then 'easily' invest in other markets.NYC is tenant friendly which can be a con for investors.Furthermore, NYC has appreciated historically.

I do leave 6" solid oak or mahogany trim in historic buildings if it's in good shape but we paint or replace clam shell from the 50's and 60's.

:Class A Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, 3-5 years for positive cashflow, but you get highest relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% the more recent norm.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 680+, zero evictions in last 7 years.Class B Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, decent amount of relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% should be applied only if proper research done to support.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 620-680, some blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 5 yearsClass C Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, high cashflow and at the lower end of relative rent & value appreciation.

Hi, I am a new member looking for advice on a house in the Historic West End Atlanta. 

Contact the utility provider and get a historical average based on the last year of use.

:Class A Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, 3-5 years for positive cashflow, but you get highest relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% the more recent norm.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 680+, zero evictions in last 7 years.Class B Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, decent amount of relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% should be applied only if proper research done to support.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 620-680, some blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 5 yearsClass C Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, high cashflow and at the lower end of relative rent & value appreciation.

I'd be curious to see a historical chart.  

The demand on properties is very high and inventory is at historical lows.

I built a nice custom a few years ago before lumber went nuts and other componants in Charleston sc historic district 2200sq ft  no garage  cost 1mil  to build plus soft costs plus 500k for the lots so in it 1.6  sold 2.2  so i get the nice spreads.right now in Oregon our semi custom product homes are costing about 150 a foot.. to 180 a foot.. to buildand in florida were we are building dingers those are running 100 to 120 a foot and used to be 80 2 years ago.and you know how cheap they build in Texas and OKC.. starter houses.  

I wouldn't buy this thing for any more than $55k/unit- all one beds is a bad deal. too much missing info- historical vacancy, tax returns etc etc.