For example last year Zillow said Dallas will appreciate and this year I am reading that it has appreciated a lot compared to other cities.I am looking for a broader results about accuracy of the forecast. 

The area is traditionally rural, but has brought in two major companies in the last few years and is quickly outgrowing its available rental housing.

If they are planning to be rolling around in Bentleys like Wall Street banker, they wont last long, but if their prices stay within average or better, who cares, your saving money if you know it or not.If your flip can't support a fair price, your not doing to good as an investor, it's not the vendors fault you overpaid for a property and can't pay market for work to repair it. 

Hi Noah.I began my investing last year in Syracuse by buying a duplex.

HiI am getting started in REI and working on building up my contact list of other investors, attorneys, handymen and other friends.A little about meI have been studying real estate basics for the last 6 years, helped few of my own close friends ( my own home) buy and sell houses just to learn the trade but not for commissionWith my education and bit of experience, just started venturing in this new field but puruing very actively and aggressively.I realized having a good team along side in my journey will truly be helpful and mutually beneficial.Please reach out with your interests in REI and how we will be able to help each other.I live in the nw suburbs in Chicago area and currently working on a townhouse deal.

Last, attend any building supply auctions and pass out flyers.  

Get a real estate agent, have them pull all the sold properties from the last 6 months that were paid for in cash.

I am going to assume you don't declare that income to the IRS on your tax return and pay the proper amount of taxes on it.If it is not on your last two years of tax returns,you will get no credit for it from the traditional banks and lenders which means you ability to borrow money will be based solely on what little you do declare and have taxed properly.Your savings and checking account s and stock holdings are irrelevant,only your verifiable monthly and yearly income.Your only choice would be a hard money lender at an enormous interest rate.

I feel that in pursuing this new objective, I have learned more about myself and the fascinating world of personal finance in the last few months than I have in... maybe ever.

They are all in class A communities and have very to zero turn over in the last 5-7 years.