It was shocking how fast I was able to get a good price and be able to check out the ratings of the contractor. 

Price / Rent Ratio - lower the better Avg Median Income - feeds into #2, not as important on its ownAvg Median Price - feeds into #2, not as important on its ownAvg Median Rent - feeds into #2, not as important on its ownRent % of Income - rent should be >1/3 of incomeSociodemographic Rank - should be high (used this article)Population Growth - should outpace US average (used this site)Jobs Growth - highger the better (used Forbes data: example)Law Favorability - should be landlord-friendly (used Avail: example)State Tax Favorability - should be favorable (used this article)Poverty Level - should be low (used city-data.com)Crime - should be below US average of 290 (used city-data.com)Industries Present - should be diverse (used city-data.com) Here are the markets I evaluated: Bend, ORGreenville, SCCharlotte, NCMeridian, IDMidland, TXSpartanburg, SCHuntsville, ALKent, WAWithout any further delay, here is my market analysis laid out with selection criteria and markets: As you can see, the Top 2 Markets are: Meridian, IDCharlotte, NCand they are mostly green across the board, hitting all selection criteria, at a reasonable purchase price for my first investment at a young age.Now that I've completed a brief analysis, I'm looking to dive into deal finding and developing my Core 4.What are your thoughts on my preliminary market analysis?

@Mike Calabrese your RE IQ will increase over time and you will be able to do your own preliminary inspections and estimate a rehab in less than 30 minutes.

While performing some preliminary research on rental properties, I discovered that there are several strategies that can be executed.

The amount of properties with outstanding water bills is shocking.  6)  Taxes are Rediculous - Over 50% of ALL properties in Detroit are currently behind on taxes. 

I would be shocked if it was that soft and easy to see coming. 

Even though I am 62, I hope to have a few years of actual retirement doing the things that are enjoyable and being relaxed with some saved money and investments still providing me with money.I know alot of this is probably hard to believe but my attempt is to inform you not feeling too shocked at what I said and wanting to be believed. 

I  was shocked! 

I haven’t actually hired his firm yet, but he has done some really impressive preliminary work.  

This number is going to be different across every market, asset type, and lender, but it's something that each lender should provide in their initial preliminary quote, and in most cases is negotiable.I'll usually ballpark reserves at ~$250/unit for stabilized multifamily.