Those properties would be worth a fortune today, but it cost my family a fortune to lose it all. 

I have been fortunate enough to work with young serving members on their first investment properties.  

I've been fortunate to have only ever had one set of horrible tenants. 

First of all, I don't make that much, so my initial buying point is also not that high (fortunately I'm in Milwaukee and not Chicago of SF).

I believe things will get worse before they get better.  2017-21 we just so fortunate for me I am in a position to do nothing although the lack of the "deal" has me a little bored

Most of the time around here it is 1% like @Thomas Fortune said.  

I’ve created a list of indicators to look for when analyzing markets and here it is below:1) Population growth (+20% from 2000)2) Median household income (+30% from 2000)3) Median household value (+40% from 2000)4) Crime level decline5) Job growth (last 12 months)6) Appreciation trend in 12 months7) Appreciation trend in 10 years8) Number of fortune 1000 companies9) Price to rent ratio10) Cap rate11) Unemployment rateI’ve looked into these markets so far:Charlotte, NCRaleigh/Durham, NCAtlanta, GATampa, FLMost of these cities seem like great markets according to these numbers.

I am very well rooted here, and as you mentioned the market here has significantly turned around over the last few years (fortunately and unfortunately for me I guess?). 

Fortunately the vast majority of tenants know they have to pay rent.

We are also home to 3 fortune 500 companies JB Hunt, Tyson Foods, and the king: Wal-Mart.