In case there's some motive for picking NY or CA, what about all of the empty space in Houston? Why would the rents go up, along with vacancy? I haven't gone c

In case there's some motive for picking NY or CA, what about all of the empty space in Houston? Why would the rents go up, along with vacancy? I haven't gone counting, but I've been unnerved by how many storefronts, warehouses, lots, and human houses remained empty after what the narrative would like us to believe is a protracted economic expansion. (Serious question. It's obvious enough that the owners perceive them to be of more value empty than full.)