This episode features a solo session with John Casmon, where he draws on personal investing experience in markets like Chicago, Cincinnati, Louisville, and San Antonio to share a deep-dive framework for evaluating which markets to invest in, and how to spot the signs of long-term growth. From understanding economic indicators and infrastructure to aligning your personal investing style with neighborhood dynamics, this episode is packed with strategic guidance on identifying the right market — and the right moment — to make your move.
Make sure to download our free guide, 7 Questions Every Passive Investor Should Ask, here.
Key Takeaways
- Start by investing in your own backyard, local familiarity and access outweigh national trends early on.
- Use “path of progress” logic to spot adjacent neighborhoods with similar fundamentals but lower prices.
- Look for population growth, industry diversification, infrastructure investment, and pro-development policies.
- Understand your own investing goals to determine what kind of markets and submarkets align with your criteria.
- Ride the coattails of developers and large employers, when they commit to a market, opportunity follows.
Topics
Why Market Selection Matters
- Why investing close to home gives you an advantage
- How John evaluated neighborhoods like North Center, Avondale, and Hermosa in Chicago
Expanding Beyond Your City
- Lessons from shifting to Cincinnati and using family ties to anchor new market exploration
- The importance of clarity on investor criteria before analyzing new areas
What Makes a Market Attractive
- Key indicators: population growth, job diversity, geographic accessibility
- Red flags: rent control, oversupply, misaligned development
Case Studies: Cincinnati, Louisville, San Antonio
- The impact of infrastructure and corridor development in Cincinnati
- How recession-resistant industries shaped John’s decision to invest in Louisville
- Why San Antonio’s “quiet strength” made it a strategic move
Using Public Data to Guide You
- Sites John uses: census.gov, bls.gov, datausa.io
- How to track local chambers of commerce, development plans, and funding incentives
What to Avoid or Watch Closely
- Risks of relying on government subsidies or unstable funding
- Importance of local political climate and long-term planning by municipalities
📢 Announcement: Learn about our Apartment Investing Mastermind here.
Next Steps
- Research your backyard market before expanding elsewhere
- Align your criteria (cash flow vs. appreciation, investor type) before evaluating a market
- Track macro indicators (population, jobs) and micro conditions (local policy, neighborhood dynamics)
Thank you for joining us for another great episode! If you’re enjoying the show, please LEAVE A RATING OR REVIEW, and be sure to hit that subscribe button so you don’t miss an episode.