The first factor that you're going to want to look at is whether the area has a decent school. If it does then you are already halfway there as far as price appreciation goes. If there is a good school, then more families will move in, and therefore the jobs will increase. This isn't the only factor, but this is a huge one in the area of real estate jobs.
While it may be somewhat reliant on the school factor, it is somewhat independent as well. The existence of jobs in a housing environment is quite important. The reason for this is of course that people need jobs. When new industry moves into an area, it moves there because people there need employment. When there is a lack of employment, it shows because people flock to the new business. Now if there is already adequate employment in an area then it is a good reason for people to move to said area. This is definitely something that you need to watch out for if you are thinking of investing in any particular area, and is definitely a determining factor of purchase in any real estate jobs or real estate careers.
This all applies no matter what you are planning to do in property jobs and real estate careers. If you're going to try buying an apartment building, you need to look out for factors such as whether or not there are adequate facilities near the complex, Such as grocery stores, hospitals, clinics, restaurants, etc. When people go out they don't want to spend a fortune on gas getting there and back, so it's critical to ensure that these things are available to them at a moment's notice. You can't help where the building is, but you can help whether or not you buy it, and you need to do some careful consideration before you actually make that commitment.
This might be a little overwhelming, especially if you are just starting out in real estate career but keep in mind that you're not the only potential realtor or individual in property jobs who is forced to go through the hassle of research before investing in an area or building. If you want to raise your chances of success you could invest in an area that's been proven to be 'burst-proof' meaning that it's appreciation rate is extremely high. There are a few cities like this including San Francisco and Seattle. These are also good areas because many people have a desire to live in a big city meaning that you may actually get more clients than you expected to get.
No matter how you decide to do it, it's important that you do some research to ensure that you are getting the best deal in the best area. Those in real estate careers and those just starting out should heed this advice well. Always make sure that the prices go up instead of down, and that people are actually going to want to live in the area. If you do these things then you're certain to be successful!