Yes the tour has included a lot of work, and here is the result.

In my opinion the sexiest two markets I have found for opportunity are polar opposites in everyway possible, but both hold huge possibilities for medium and long term investors.

Raleigh North Carolina is probably the best real estate market in the country. The Raleigh Realtors are super stressed over the fact they have nine month supply of homes and just over 200 foreclosures. That is how good the Raleigh investement home scene is. Home prices in Cary, Apex, Garner & Holly Springs (all suburbs of Raleigh) have risen in the 3-4% range every year for since anyone can remember, but the current panic and SLIGHT over building have created screaming deals especially on new build properties, this will not last long as the new build inventory is not that deep compared to job growth in growing population. I noticed $60,000-$70,000 discounts on Cary Newbuilds. The great part for medium to long term investing? Very low insurance and tax rates combined with the class of renters. The new builds I mentioned were in Cary 14 minutes from Research Triangle Park and located in a zip code with the highest number of PHD's under 45 in the country! The tenents pay like clock work according to everyone I spoke to.

Why are they renting they can not sell there homes in other parts of the country and cannot qualify with out doing so with the new mortgage rules. This creates huge pent up demand in the Raleigh Market, which will have a very bullish effect on values in the next 18-24 months.

There are also great foreclosures in Raleigh, a lot of great "improve and rent" opportunities. There are also great rental management companies with experience. And not to be undersold the cowboy factor is a non issue in Raleigh real estate. Finding the right agent might be a challenge, my two best finds: Tim Upchurch, 919.795.6100, he has invested, he manages and he knows the market. George Wilson, 919.387.4100 is a young agent that has game as well, he deals with some banks so occasionally has foreclosure listings and understands ROI.

To check out the MLS in Raleigh go to www.RLTriangle.com