Market Research Checklist

Market Information

Market Name (City/Metro)

State

Why are you considering this market?

Search Google Maps for Amazon/warehouse facilities
Search "Amazon fulfillment center [city]" and note locations
Identify major hospitals/healthcare systems
Large hospitals employ thousands of support staff
Check proximity to airports
Airport workers need affordable housing nearby
Look for industrial parks/manufacturing
Blue-collar employment zones are coliving goldmines

Major Employers Found (list with approximate locations)

Median Household Income

$

Source: Census.gov or city-data.com

Median 1BR Apartment Rent

$

Source: Zillow, Apartments.com, RentCafe

$—

Affordable Rent (30% of income)

$—

Monthly Gap

—

Opportunity?

Search Zillow/Redfin for 4+ BR homes under $250K
Filter: 4+ beds, $100K-$250K, sold in last 6 months
Note ZIP codes with affordable inventory
List the ZIPs where properties meet your criteria
Check price trends (rising, stable, declining)
Zillow shows market trends over time

Median Home Price (4BR)

$

Inventory Level

Promising ZIP Codes for 4+ BR homes

Check PadSplit for active listings
Visit padsplit.com and search by city
Search Facebook Marketplace "room for rent"
Note prices and how long listings stay up
Check Roomies.com listings
Filter by your target area
Review Craigslist rooms/shared
Note both prices and posting frequency

Low Room Rent

$

Average Room Rent

$

High Room Rent

$

Is PadSplit active in this market?

Search "[city] room rental regulations"
Look for any news about restrictions
Check zoning code for occupancy limits
Some cities limit unrelated adults (e.g., "no more than 3")
Call planning department (optional but recommended)
Ask: "Do you require permits for room-by-room rentals in single-family homes?"

Regulatory Notes

Regulatory Risk Level

Overall Market Rating

Market Strengths

Market Concerns

Decision