HI - I’ve always found “best markets” discussions a little unsatisfying.It often feels like people are talking past each other — appreciation vs cash flow vs risk tolerance — and the answer is always some version of “it depends,” which is true, but not very actionable.Over time, I’ve come to think part of the problem is that we often mix deal analysis and market selection into the same conversation.For myself, I started trying to separate the two:Market selection: Which cities even belong in the conversation?

Would be interested to hear how others approach market selection before getting into individual deals.

For the first time in years, there are more homeowners with high-rate mortgages than ultra-low ones.That matters.The lock-in effect — the thing that froze housing turnover near 30-year lows — starts to weaken once homeowners realize they’re already close to current market rates.

It’s much harder to be effective.

Cost segregation can be an effective way to accelerate depreciation and reduce taxes, but it’s important to work with a firm that has strong experience in your local market.

While acquiring properties at the right price is undoubtedly critical, I'd like to share another perspective that significantly impacts your bottom line: **strategic contractor selection**.Allow me to illustrate with a recent experience from two of my projects:**Property #1:**- Contractor Quote A: $93,000- Contractor Quote B: $42,000**Property #2:**- Contractor Quote A: $42,000  - Contractor Quote B: $89,000*Same scope of work.

Selecting high quality tenants is paramount in running your business.

I need help with selecting a market and fully understanding and analyzing deals.

A DIY cost seg study may be the most cost effective, but it may have less tax benefits whereas an Engineered study will likely cost more than the DIY but should produce more potential tax benefits as it does a much deeper dive into the property.

Effective sound proving is expensive.