The main pattern that all of these investors share is a deep understanding of the markets they're investing in and a solid foundational team of experts they've built in their markets. 

, but I’ve noticed a pattern—sometimes we pass on deals with incredible appreciation potential, tax benefits, or value-add upside simply because they don’t meet our $200/month cash flow threshold.Here’s the dilemma:✅ Cash flow pays the bills today—but often comes with higher-risk areas, more tenant turnover, and slower appreciation.💼 Equity growth/appreciation-focused deals may bleed cash early on but can 10x your net worth over time if managed well.My question to the community:How do YOU decide between short-term cash flow and long-term wealth plays?

I’m based in the Midwest, and while it’s not North Carolina, we’re seeing a similar pattern here: thinner flip margins in hotter metros but solid opportunities in nearby secondary markets where entry prices are lower and demand is steady.

Are there any unique seasonality patterns or hidden that new owners tend to underestimate?

If you’re doing STRs or MTRs, location and amenities definitely matter because tenant demand is tied to things like hospitals, outdoor attractions, and travel patterns.

Could someone please explain why there's such a consistent pattern on the sale price? 

I followed the same pattern exiting 40 C-grade properties for half as many B-grade plus cash left over to buy and renovate our real estate office and build a dream home on the footprint of our 100+ yr old farmhouse (on LaPlante Rd of course).So yeah, where I live full time...tear down and build something amazing.

Are we allowed to recognize patterns?

About half price of the more expensive patterns. 

To apply this in real life, last week we helped a client put a 1 bedroom cabin about 400 yards from the edge of the Smoky Mountain National Park under contract under $200k, the expected return from a cap rate, cash on cash, or IRR are all deep double digits.If long term appreciation is part of the goal, I'd want to understand long term migration patterns as well, and look at regional parks near places where there is a lot of people moving within 200 miles.