For what it is worth, the most successful RE investors know the market (geographical location where they are investing in) well. Don’t rely on stats, do the work yourself… travel…. If possible choose a place you have been or plan to visit or maybe have a relative. When you create your spreadsheet make sure you allocate all of your costs accordingly. I know this is all basic stuff and you may know all this… yet… ya never know. Check for demographics and find fast growing communities. 4 years ago my wife BEGGED me to by land in the Imperial Valley and I poo pood it… maybe not a good idea on my part. Research fast growing cities, research where Wal-Marts, Home Depots and other signs of infrastructure growth are occurring. Not long ago I saw a posting by Powayseller about Yuma… now I don’t know if it is good or bad there but every year or two I drive through it, including about 2 weeks ago and every year it is bigger and bigger…

You may also want to think of joining investment groups and work with people who have done it before.