Can't figure out how to adjust to get back to historical levels.In September 2025 PM convinced me to invest in a duplex STR arbitrage unit.

Rates are historically really great right now, but people remember the insanely low rates of 2001 and think that was normal.

They’re staying out because home prices remain historically unaffordable.

That price indicates historically the property has not kept up with inflation.  

This caused a historically unique opportunity for investors - they could buy Class A properties and immediately cashflow when renting them out.This couldn't last forever, and it didn't, as excited new investors drove up prices.

This caused a historically unique opportunity for investors - they could buy Class A properties and immediately cashflow when renting them out.This couldn't last forever, and it didn't, as excited new investors drove up prices.

NOVEL’s 318-unit complex leads the first wave of construction (Axios).Eastland Park: Set to break ground in spring 2025, this park (with dog-park, skate and spray-ground amenities) redevelops the old Eastland Mall site and will attract new residents and businesses when complete by late 2026 (Axios).Uptown Revitalizations: Large projects like the Brooklyn & Church block investment (retail + residential) signal renewed activity, despite some delays in nearby Brooklyn Village (Axios).Gaston County (ZIP 28012)Population Context: Gaston County's estimated population in 2024 stands at ~242,000, up from ~228,000 in 2020 Belmont (28012) will be a short drive from the upcoming River District and is also known for its historical southern charm in the Downtown Area!

Some great long-term buy-and-hold markets to consider:Memphis, TN – Strong rental demand, affordable entry prices, and historically resilient to market swings.Griffin & Forest Park, GA (outside Atlanta) – Lower acquisition costs than Atlanta proper, but still benefit from the metro’s job growth and population inflow.Akron & Canton, OH – Affordable purchase prices with solid rent-to-price ratios, strong working-class tenant base.Birmingham, AL – Diverse economy, affordable housing, and stable long-term rent growth.The goal with your first property should be to keep it as predictable as possible - you want your learning curve to be about tenant management, property management, and cash flow tracking… not about juggling contractor bids and building permits.Long term, you can always graduate into heavier rehab or BRRRR strategies, but for now, think turnkey or near-turnkey to build confidence and steady cash flow from the start.Always happy to break down current deal examples in those markets so you can compare rent-to-price ratios and ROI side by side before making a decision.Best of luck!

https://wolfstreet.com/2025/09/04/despite-all-the-shouting-b...Just when the “cut rates now” chorus is reaching a fever pitch, Wolf Street drops a reality check: unemployment claims are flat year-over-year and even better than two years ago, and the four-week average remains historically low.

It should do better eventually because as others mentioned Irvington to the east is a great historical neighborhood.