Pre-Fab experience in/around Detroit?

[Brian Kantor]

Hey, there. Currently a buy-and-hold investor in and around Detroit closing in on my second rental. Was recently introduced to the concept of pre-fab construction and was wondering if anyone had any experiences to share (either positive or negative)?

There are a ton of empty lots across Detroit, which seem in theory like "easy" places to pop up a pre-fab SFH or small multi.

I did some preliminary research here and via Google and see that most people's experiences seem pretty positive with key draws being the cost = less than or equal to standard construction, materials being eco-friendly and sturdy, shorter construction time, similar appraisal value, to name a few.

My questions:

1. Can anyone share any experiences specific to Detroit or the surrounding area with regards to permitting or legal pitfalls to avoid or hurdles to jump over?
2. Process: Do you hire both a pre-fab manufacturer AND a GC to stitch the pieces together or are they one and the same?
3. Specific vendors that service the area with a good reputation and experience with small multi-unit in particular?
4. Is the mortgage process any different than with buying an existing structure?
5. Cost? I know there is a range, but for a four-plex for example of 4000-5000 square foot, what can I expect in hard + soft costs?
6. This may be a dumb question, but are these usually built on slab foundation or with a basement/crawl?
7. Does this affect tax assessment in any way?
8. Any other points of note?

Thanks in advance, and Happy New Year!

[Ken Taylor]

@Brian Kantor there way to many empty house that needs attention you be better off rehabbing or buy and apartment building or land bank purchase your money will go far in Detroit and the values are goin Though the roof . Good luck!!