My personal experience with rental properties in the region is that there is no one-size fits all strategy as it relates to areas within which to invest.

(This is in LA region)

Given my experience above I can see why Gastonia has the fastest growing rents in the region:  https://www.charlotteagenda.com/85324/states-faste...In any case, I don't regret investing in Gastonia and if we could pick up more assets there I would. 

I would suggest you try smaller local/regional banks and don't be surprised if they ask you to personally guarantee the loans. 

BP Community, I am an active duty Marine living in the National Capital Region.

Interested in networking with other RE investors and BP folks in the region.  

@Camilo Rey It's amazing how the expenses can vary region to region and even town to town with an area sometimes. 

And this Catskill region, especially this village area, is  hot place year-round.

Thanks @Mike SattemI was relying on someone from the pacific time zone to reply as it is midnight here. 

My thoughts so far:Population growthRent growthIncome growthEmployment growthAny idea about other metrics and which would be the most useful for choosing a target metro region?