Westmaren is an excellent neighborhood for cash flow/rentability. I wouldn't hold my breath for metro - it isn't funded yet past Reston. However that area is close to shopping, reasonably priced and offers many community ammenities.
When looking at the individual units there - be sure to note whether or not they have polybutylene pipes - leaky pipes would not be fun for the landlord or tenant!
As an investor myself - I don't look to the past for future values - instead focus on your cash flow analysis as your primary item and any appreciation is bonus on that.
All the best!
Gina - Tue Nov 10, 2009