Phillipsburg's apartment stock, "is continuing its historically stabilized run, recording a rent appreciation rate of five percent in the past year,” says Stephen Tragash, Gebroe-Hammer Associates senior vice president.

Most investors still involved in the SFR markets now view it as a good long-term play in an asset class that is early on in its maturity and with much room for innovation, ATTOM Data's Daren Blomquist tells GlobeSt.com.

When we asked that question to Karlin Conklin of Investors Management Group, based on a few comments we have heard over the past year or so, the principal and EVP says it is here to stay and provides a much needed opportunity in CRE today.

The outlook for Oakland remains strong for rent growth and long term, as the center of global tech, the top three Bay Area cities will continue to be among the most dynamic office markets in the nation.