Similar if non fixed cost inflation is 2%, rent growth is 2%, your cash flow will increase if you have a fixed rate loan because a portion of your expenses are fixed. 

LocationOnly buy in high growth, business friendly markets. 2.

I'm sure with this property a lot of the value was added due to population growth and the market.

I time stamp it every quarter so I can see my Net Worth growth over time.5) Future expenses listed. 6) Goals listed. 7) Tax Bracket info. 8) Useful links (Bankrate.com mortgage calculator, BiggerPockets, etc.)9) My House Stats - including equity, interest paid to date, PMI paid to date, etc.I've created similar budgets for friends and family as well and help organize them for them. 

Growth typically doesn't occur without some discomfort.

I just heard from a mortgage broker there about the growth she sees in Hickory.

This would be much safer if it does not go as you expect and it would preserve your down payment cash for business operations & growth. 

The Numbers:Occupied US rentals rose by 20 percent above the prior 10-year period.This growth is unprecedented. 

My market has had annual population growth every year - even during the great recession when other markets saw mass exodus, we grew.I am interested to hear other opinions on this.

The population continues to grow and the market has had decent growth in recent years.