Episode summary
The Best Real Estate Investing Markets (For YOU)
Biggerpockets
· · Hosts: Dave Meyer
Summary
The episode argues there is no single “best” real estate market; the right market depends on an investor’s goals, strategy, budget, and willingness to operate out of state. Dave Meyer says investors should start by narrowing the field to about 10 to 20 cities using basic fundamentals like cash flow, population growth, and job growth, then reduce that list to roughly three markets.
From there, the hosts emphasize the “art” of market selection: whether an investor will actually travel there, how easy it is to get there, whether they have local connections or a competitive advantage, and whether the market fits their asset type and strategy. Henry Washington stresses that out-of-state investors need strong local relationships and should look hard at housing stock, new construction, price points, and whether the market can support their intended asset class.
They also argue that climate, vibe, and quality of life matter more than many investors admit. Dave says markets feel different in person, and that visiting the final contenders is the fastest way to know which one is right. The practical takeaway is to spend most of your effort at the end of the funnel: visit the market, meet local investors and agents, and choose the place you can actually operate well in.
Key takeaways
- Dave Meyer says investors should start with 10 to 20 candidate cities, not hundreds, because the same few markets tend to show up on every serious list.
- Henry Washington says the first filter is whether you will actually go there, because travel friction and direct-flight access affect how well you can operate.
- The hosts say local connections are a major edge for out-of-state investors, including agents, contractors, property managers, and people who can explain neighborhoods.
- Dave warns that a market can look good on paper but still fail if the asset type is too old, too expensive, or too overbuilt for the investor’s strategy.
- Henry says climate and “vibe” matter because enjoying the city makes an investor more engaged and a better operator over time.
- The hosts recommend visiting the final two or three markets in person, meeting local teams, and touring neighborhoods before making a decision.
Notable quotes
“there is no best investing market. Any of those cities can work for someone. The real question is which one works for you”
“So, the first step you should take is to just narrow it down to 10 or 20 cities”
“the first two things I think about are will I go there and how big of a pain in the butt is it for me to go there”
“you need people that you can trust. So, when I'm looking for that competitive advantage, the first thing I'm looking for is, do I already have connections there”
Topics
- real estate market selection
- cash-flow markets
- quick market filters
- competitive advantage
- vibe checking and visiting markets
Watch the episode
Watch “The Best Real Estate Investing Markets (For YOU)” on YouTube
Summary, takeaways and quote selection by Octagon. Quotes are short excerpts; the full conversation is in the episode.
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