A lot of times you can also find information on a place like this article for  https://learn.roofstock.com/blog/columbus-oh-real-estate-market Columbus states all the stats and trends that are going on here. 

In my business I always go conservative with my numbers and use estimates, based on the current trend of the market, and worse case scenarios, because markets change, and numbers in my mind are estimated until you are receiving them. 

Both were really rare-ring to go on the white trend, but will the potential renters think the unit needs painting (if it's white).If the paying customer thinks grey is desirable, and white is for rent--that's going to be time on market and $$ lost.Any thoughts on this--I mean do you think it's too early in the (FAD) to offer white units (???)

@Sammy Brooks real estate is typically a long-term game.Over time, your rents will go up more than enough to offset increases in property taxes, insurance and maintenance, increasing your cashflow.As @Greg Scott pointed out, there are also other benefits to owner investment real estate.You still want to review your RE investments annually to see if they still meet your goals and to monitor trends that may impact the future ROI.

Another great article to read about Columbus and why it is a good place to invest is https://learn.roofstock.com/blog/columbus-oh-real-estate-market, it has all the stats and trends for our market. 

I bought my first home 3 months ago and I've just been keeping an eye on where the price has been trending.

They decide REI is not for them after all and move on to the next trend...........maybe Bitcoin?

The Top 10 Affordable Small Towns Where You’d Actually Want To Live, 2022 Edition : https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/2022-most-affordable-small-towns-also-desirable/

You will need to know factors such as economic trends, population shifts in or out, state laws and local laws (landlord friendly vs tenant friendly etc)... physical property hazards by season (flooding, rain, hail, fire) or in general (ie I personally can't fathom investing in New Orleans unless it was to AirBNB for the short term and then sell the property)   - If you can narrow down to one or two states, then I would look for "where are the tenants I want to deal with located" theres so many ways to answer that question but you may want to start looking in a major metro area... most states have less than 10 major cities or areas of decent population density. 

Is this a trend?