Besides the excitement about affordable property values and some young people taking advantage of this affordability, what are the real driving factors that will carry these markets forward and ultimately transform them into healthy, sustainable areas?

Inflation normally accompanied a healthy economy with low unemployment.

I think if you'll run the numbers and do some research you find these markets to be a healthy alternative to other markets for buy and hold real estate.I can't imagine being invested in real estate and only getting a 10% return either.

They're now performing nicely and my CoC is good - but I'm starting to wonder if I might not be better off just selling them at a healthy cap rate to some else who wants solid turnkeys, so that I can turn around and do it again.

Even if you have a property management company in place it still requires your time and attention to create a healthy return.

I tend to analyze my properties in terms of total return - the equity I believe I'm buying on day 1, plus a healthy amount of cash flow on rents.

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So long as there are healthy reserves and the board cares about maintiaing the building, the normal dues cover you.I don't budget a specific number personally as I have enough cash to take care of those one off expenses if and when they do arise. 

We have tentatively chosen Dallas-area as our first market to dive into as it seems to qualify for the signs of a healthy market (population growth, business/landlord friendly, etc). 

But, you can see- if done right- you can make a very healthy profit.I expect you're building new - because of the potential upside.