People have such low rates that they aren't "trading up" in favor of staying put.

What’s becoming more clear time after time is :Columbia is quietly maturing into a very favorable market for ground-up construction.✅ Why I like the Columbia market right now:Steady population growth (thanks to the University of South Carolina, healthcare, and military presence)Strong rental demand with limited new inventoryI’ve been seeing traction with new construction rental products, in both Richland and Lexington counties. 

The financing is more favorable here and there are great places that do very well for STR.

Quote from @Roque Miranda: Hi all,Just wanted to check if any fellow investors have any Idea how much will be the cost of construction per SF on the Montgomery area, we are looking at some lots to build a duplex or 4 plex in the area, this will be to build refi and hold, I'm a General contractor in South Florida Miami area, we are now pricing in Ocala FL to start developing new construction and the SF is favorable to build and sale, In Montgomery we will no sale we want to keep the property, we do porches and remodel now in Montgomery and the CF is very nice, but we will like to have better and more solid properties, anyway, if someone can recommend a GC in the Montgomery area well be highly appreciated.Thanks, all I did some searching--homeblue, homebuilders, and a few others--depending on the grade of construction (standard vs. premium), is the factor.One group has $110 to $170 per square foot, another $98 to $146; so you could roughly average $135 per square foot on these ranges. 

To get a list of properties visit each county's web site.Be aware that NC has an "upset bid" system that favors in-state investors. 

There is usually only a small chance the tenant even shows up, so it is usually a one-sided argument favoring the landlord.The next hard part is collecting. 

Similarly, suppliers who have favorable house credit processes if you are self- performing.6.

We're tilted toward a buyer's market in many areas right now, so there can be some flexibility in how you use financing and seller credits to make the terms more favorable to you!

I would say to all borrowers, do yourself a favor and chat with your loan officer early in the process.

Originally posted by @Matthew King:@Garrett May  I think it is worth adding that I have had several clients who have all had favorable experiences with Neal and North Coast.