Where is the strongest rental market in Metro Detroit?

[Martin S.]

Hello everyone, this is an amazing site, I learned a ton here and I hope you can help me with my dilemma today... 

My dad will be moving to SE Michigan (Metro Detroit). He wants to buy a duplex so he can live in one unit and rent the other. We are looking for the strongest rental market in Metro Detroit.  I have a couple great rental properties in midtown Detroit and I know the market there really well.  But I'm much less familiar with suburban Detroit rental market. My dad, who has helped me renovate all the properties, is looking for a safe but affordable town where he can keep all his power tools in a garage and not be too concerned about someone stealing them.  Detroit is not safe enough and Ann Arbor is too expensive so we are looking for something in between - Livonia, Garden City, Belleville, Ferndale, Royal Oak, Madison Heights, Superior Twp., Dearborn Heights, Berkley, Troy, Sterling Heights, etc.  Where should I be looking for a duplex that will be easy to rent and safe to live in? 

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.  

Marcin 

[George P.]

define "strongest rental market". lowest cost to get in? highest rents? highest appreciation value? your question is vague and difficult to answer.

ask specific questions about the area and the market and you will get answers.i know the westland/livonia and GC areas very well