10 Gems + RE Tax Lien Plays: June 1, 2025 | Smart Movers Club

👋 Good morning, Smart Movers.

Where to Go. What to Know. What $100K Gets You.

I always come back to one hard truth: I started late. I didn’t grow up with a blueprint. I didn’t build smart habits in my 20s. I didn’t adopt real financial discipline in my 30s, even after reading all the books, listening to the so-called masters, and enrolling in the webinars, courses, and masterminds.

And still — I wasn’t where I wanted to be.

Why?

Data.
I had the tactics. I understood the theories. But without local, actionable, personal data… it meant nothing.

When I lived in Memphis, I was earning close to $200K a year. Top 5% earner. And instead of stacking and investing like a surgeon with a plan, I spent like the good times would never end. I got caught in the illusion that money would keep flowing no matter what I did. That delusion cost me everything — and now I’m rebuilding from ground zero.

Smart Movers, I know many of you are in the same storm. You’ve made moves you regret. You’ve taken hits. Maybe karma. Maybe choices. Maybe both. But this? This isn’t the end. This is the beginning — the part where you take full control.

Freedom doesn’t just mean money. It means peace. Space. Security. Clarity. It means escaping noisy neighbors, toxic cities, and daily dread. It means moving smarter — and finally getting what you deserve from life.

This newsletter, this company — it’s my revenge against the past version of me. The one who knew better but didn’t do better.

And even if just one of you reads this each week, I’ll treat it like a million. Because I know what it’s like to feel lost — and what it feels like to find your way again.

Let’s get to it.

TL;DR: 

Investor Watch: Durham, NC is rising fast with strong rents, new zoning, and 6%+ cap rates.
Migration Watch: Rapid City and rural South Dakota gain ground as Californians flee high costs.
What $100K Gets You: In Durham, $100K stretches far—own a home, stack savings, and live well.
10 Gems: This week’s picks cover how to start investing in tax liens and foreclosures the smart way.
News & Events: Inflation dips, steel tariffs double, Trump tax cuts expand, and Oregon opens zoning.

🧠 Big Brain Facts

🏛️ South Dakota has no state income tax — but it does tax funerals. Yup, even your final move isn’t free there.
🚽 In Vermont, it’s illegal to paint your house too bright in historic zones. That neon green dream? Not in Montpelier.
🧀 Wisconsin has more cows than college students — and the cows are better funded. Dairy subsidies outpace some university budgets.
🏜️ Arizona’s Maricopa County added over 1,000 residents per week in 2024.
Water crisis? Maybe. Still moving there? Absolutely.
🚧 Oklahoma has more toll roads than any other state per capita. Every shortcut might cost you.
🐍 In Texas, it’s legal to kill rattlesnakes — but only if you're not in a designated wildlife corridor. Relocate smart, or pay fines and get bit.
📫 Pennsylvania towns still have rural mail routes that require residents to install their own roads. Yes, really. Your move, your infrastructure.

Want more fun and games? Test your knowledge with our weekly crossword puzzle here

💸 ^{INVESTOR WATCH}
Durham, NC - From Tobacco Town to Tech Titan

Why It’s on Our Radar:
Durham has been a sleeper for years — but now it’s a data-driven investor’s dream. With a booming life sciences sector, steady inbound migration, and an under-the-radar rental market, cap rates remain strong even as nearby Raleigh overheats.

Market Signals:

• 🏘️ Median duplex price: ~$310K

• 🧪 Biotech growth corridor anchored by Duke University + Research Triangle Park

• 📈 Rents up 5.8% YoY as of Q1 2025, outpacing Charlotte and Asheville

• 💡 New zoning rules passed in 2024 allow more ADUs, triplexes in formerly single-family neighborhoods

• 👷 Steady construction pipeline but high permit scrutiny keeps supply tight

Why It Works for Smart Investors:

• ✅ Solid 6.2–6.7% cap rates for Class B multis

• ✅ Huge rental demand from students, tech workers, and remote professionals

• ✅ Opportunity for mid-term rentals tied to medical/academic rotations

• ✅ Low property tax compared to national avg (~0.84%)

🗺️ Opportunity Zones: Your Tax-Free Cheat Code
Durham has seven designated Opportunity Zones, offering tax benefits for long-term investments in low-income communities. These zones are ideal for projects like adaptive reuse, mixed-use developments, and workforce housing.

💵 Incentives Galore
Stack these to your advantage:

• Local Tax Abatements: Available for new constructions and property rehabilitations.

• Historic Preservation Tax Credits: For the restoration of eligible historic properties.

• Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC): To support affordable housing developments.

• Brownfield Redevelopment Grants: For the cleanup and reuse of previously contaminated properties.

📊 Economic Pulse

• Population: Durham's population is approximately 280,000, with the metro area exceeding 2 million residents.

• Unemployment Rate: Around 3.1% as of early 2025, indicating a healthy job market.

• Median Household Income: Varies across Opportunity Zones, ranging from $24,000 to $48,000, highlighting areas with investment potential.

🏗️ Where to Look

• Downtown Durham: Experiencing significant growth with projects like the Novus tower, offering opportunities in mixed-use developments.

• East Durham: An area with historic properties and potential for value-add investments.

• Research Triangle Park Vicinity: Proximity to major employers makes this area attractive for residential and commercial developments.

🎯 Smart Mover Takeaway:
Durham presents a compelling case for real estate investors, combining steady population growth, a diverse economy, and various investment incentives. The presence of Opportunity Zones and ongoing developments make it a strategic choice for long-term investment.

📊 Want Durham's Cap Rates, Permit Heat Map, and Zip Code Drilldown?
Grab the Regional Investor Report — a full investor briefing for serious buyers.

👉 Get the Investor Report Now

 🧳_{MIGRATION TRENDS}
Rapid City, SD vs San Jose, CA

Who's Coming and Who’s Leaving?
📍 Inbound: Rapid City, SD (+3,200 net)
📍 Outbound: San Jose, CA (−17,800 net)

What’s Driving the Move?

Rapid City is quietly building a reputation as the “Front Range of the Midwest” — combining tax benefits, outdoor lifestyle, and post-pandemic livability without the Boulder price tag. It’s now pulling in everyone from retirees to tech escapees.

Here’s why:

🏞️ Gateway to the Black Hills and national parks
💸 No state income tax and low property taxes
🧑‍⚕️ Expanding healthcare sector and regional medical hub
🚀 High-speed internet rollout expanded in 2024 for remote workers
🚓 Crime rate is 40% below national average

Meanwhile, cities like San Jose are still losing residents due to:

🔥 Outrageous housing prices
💼 Tech layoffs and corporate pullbacks
🚗 Crushing commute times even in hybrid roles

Snapshot Stat:

_{💰 WHAT 100K GETS YOU}
Your Money Goes the Distance in Durham, NC

Your Money Goes the Distance:
With a $100,000 salary, you’re earning well above the median household income in Durham (~$65,000). That lands you comfortably in the top income tier, giving you real freedom to live, save, and explore one of the fastest-growing cities in the South without the financial strain of bigger metros.

Here’s the Breakdown:

Why It Matters:

Durham is that rare mix of urban energy and Southern sensibility. Here, $100K doesn’t get eaten alive by rent or taxes — it buys you options. You can:

• Purchase a starter home or townhome in an appreciating zip code

• Build real savings while enjoying a dynamic food + culture scene

• Tap into regional growth (RTP, biotech, universities) while staying grounded

🧠 Smart Mover Takeaway:

If you're pulling in $100K and living paycheck-to-paycheck in a high-cost city, Durham flips the script. It lets you keep your income, your lifestyle, and your sanity — all while playing the long game. This city isn't just livable — it's buildable.

👉 Schedule Your Strategy Call Now

 💎 _{10 GEMS: BUYING REAL ESTATE}
Tax Liens & Foreclosures: Where Smart Movers Start Small

Let’s be honest — the squeeze is real. And owning property cheap is still possible... if you know where to look. This week’s 10 Gems gives you a head start on buying tax-delinquent and foreclosed properties, even with limited capital. From research tools to auction access, here’s how to get in the game.

1. 1. Understand the Basics First
   Learn how tax liens and tax deeds work—they're not the same.
   👉 State Laws on Property Tax Sales – Nolo

   2. Start With Your Local County
   Most tax auctions are held at the county level—check listings regularly.
   👉 Find Your County’s Website

   3. Use a National Auction Site
   Foreclosures, tax deeds, and bank-owned REOs in one place.
   👉 Bid4Assets | Auction.com

   4. Track Lien Opportunities by State
   Some states are tax lien states, others sell deeds. Know the rules before you bid.
   👉 Tax Lien Lady’s State Guide (PDF)

   5. Practice With Live Online Auctions
   Watch or bid in real time before showing up in person.
   👉 GovEase

   6. Filter Lists With Property Data Tools
   Find pre-foreclosures, absentee owners, and liens before the crowd.
   👉 PropStream | BatchLeads

   7. Look for HUD Foreclosures
   You can buy HUD homes at a discount—some as low as $30K.
   👉 HUD Homes for Sale

   8. Invest Through a Self-Directed IRA
   Use retirement funds to buy liens or distressed property.
   👉 Self-Directed IRA Investing – Equity Trust

   9. Learn Direct from County Clerks
   Some counties post their foreclosure case dockets publicly.
   👉 Miami-Dade Clerk of Court

   10. Get Smarter With a Free Training
   This 2025 free intro course breaks down the process without a guru upsell.
   👉 A Beginner's Guide to Tax Lien Investing

_{SOLUTIONS FOR YOU}

Looking to go deeper? We’ve built tools to help you move with purpose and invest with clarity. These expert-backed services are designed for people who want more than just headlines—they want a plan.

🔍 Regional Investment Report

For first-time or small investors
Custom city/county data report with pricing trends, job growth, migration, and more.
💵 $249
[Get the Report] 🔗

📞 Relocation Strategy Call

For remote workers or overtaxed escapees
1:1 Zoom session to map your relocation goals—taxes, lifestyle, housing, and more.
💵 $149
[Book Your Call] 🔗

👉 Explore all options here: Products and Solutions

 📰_{NEWS & EVENTS}

• 📉 U.S. inflation eases to 2.3% — lowest since Feb 2021, but new tariffs may reverse progress.

• 🧾 Social Security COLA set at 2.5% for 2025 — modest bump kicks in for January checks.

• 🏛️ Trump proposes “Office of Remigration” — new federal agency focused on deportation and voluntary return.

• 📜 “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” advances — expands Trump-era tax cuts and fiscal priorities in the House.

• 💸 Trump doubles steel tariffs to 50% — targeting foreign imports in new push for U.S. manufacturing.

• 📊 Goldman Sachs predicts short-term inflation spike — core PCE could hit 3.6% before stabilizing.

• 🏘️ Oregon expands middle housing zoning — ADUs, duplexes, and triplexes now allowed in more areas.

• 🌳 Maryland approves $4.7M for park upgrades — funding open space and rec facilities across multiple counties.

_{SHARE & EARN REWARDS} 🙋🙋‍♂️ 
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🚨 Disclaimer:

Strizzy Report provides educational content and location-based data. This is not financial, investment, or legal advice. Always consult a licensed professional before making any big decisions.