Population growth plays a factor too.  

The Arizona Sun Corridor (Phoenix to Tucson) is set to continue to grow over the next 30 years and the population of the metro area is set to DOUBLE by 2050 (from 6 million to over 12 million).So by the time you're old and gray, you just might own an investment property in a location that's set to give LA a run for its money!

well that narrows it down to a 1 out of 20 chance although I suspect 10 or so sites just won't work no matter what.Logistically Texas is down in a deep southern hole compared to other markets that are much closer transportation wise to most of the US population. 

Over the past 5 years my avg income has been over 6 figures and I think going forward I can most likely save 60-80k year for investing(as long as the economy and the lobster population remain constant). 

Is there negative population growth?

CBRE , ARA , Marcus and Milichamp , Colliers , census bureau, department of labor stats, crime stats, check city web page for progressive growth, look for non profits that are bringing in business to the area, steady population growth, chamber of commerce, — Ask, is there progress or stagnation?

High on job growth, population trends in the right direction, good supply/demand (at least up to episode 233 of the BP podcast lol), good affordability, and markets that don’t seem to have topped out on growth yet.I hope this helps—and if I have missed any key indicators, please let me know.

Is your criteria to invest in a city that is expected to achieve double digit population increases?

The University has a large population of exchange  and graduate students, and I am very interested in trying to attract them to this property. 

Strong job and population growth.