All Forum Posts by: Travis Biziorek

Hey Dennis,

I’d definitely suggest taking a close look at Detroit. I've built my own portfolio there over the years (and currently live in California), and it's really one of the few places that still offers all the things you’re after:

1. Positive Cash Flow: You can still find properties in Detroit that meet your cash flow target of $200 per door, even after factoring in management, maintenance, and vacancy costs.
2. Affordable Prices: Purchase prices well below $250K are still very common. Detroit's affordability, especially compared to markets like Tucson or Tempe, makes it ideal for long-term investors.
3. Landlord-Friendly: Michigan is relatively landlord-friendly, especially when compared to states like California. The eviction process, while not instantaneous, is reasonable here.
4. Job Growth & Diversification: The city has been experiencing solid job growth, with new developments, tech hubs, and a ton of activity in and around downtown. The diversification isn’t just limited to tech but spans across healthcare, logistics, and even small business growth.

If you're interested in learning more, I write a lot about Detroit on my blog: https://www.buyingdetroitrealestate.com/detroit-real-estate-investing/.

I also help out-of-state investors invest in Detroit through my team—we handle everything from sourcing deals to full rehabs and property management.

If you want to chat more or get a sense of how we work, feel free to reach out directly or book a call here: https://calendly.com/tbiziorek/20min-detroit-re-chat.

Hope that helps, and feel free to reach out with any questions!

Hey Stephen,

I’d strongly consider doing a cash-out refinance in your situation. I just did one on one of my Detroit duplexes, pulled out $103,000, and I'm using that for new acquisitions. Once I got over the idea of giving up my low rate, it made a ton of sense.

In my opinion, letting the equity just sit there isn’t justified by holding onto a low rate. Even though you're at 2.75%, it’s not doing much for you if you can't use the funds to grow. With that cash, you can scale up and move into those multi-unit properties you're eyeing.

Just my two cents!

Quote from @James Wise:

Quote from @Travis Biziorek:

Quote from @James Wise:

Quote from @Travis Biziorek:

I own and operate a STR in Detroit and this is the first I'm hearing of this regulation.

I'm not convinced it exists. Do you have a source?

Ya'll doing STR in Detroit? apparently ya'll didn't see Barbarian. Justin Long (the STR landlord) didn't do so hot in that movie lol.

Been doing mine for 2.5 years. 

Overall it's been a great experience but you have to have the right house in the right location.

I wouldn't do it with the average Detroit house.

Lol I'm sure you're making money bro. I'm sure they're fine, you're a smart dude. More importantly, did you see Barbarian? Hellava movie.

I have not. I will watch it and root for ol' Justin.

Quote from @James Wise:

Quote from @Travis Biziorek:

I own and operate a STR in Detroit and this is the first I'm hearing of this regulation.

I'm not convinced it exists. Do you have a source?

Ya'll doing STR in Detroit? apparently ya'll didn't see Barbarian. Justin Long (the STR landlord) didn't do so hot in that movie lol.

Been doing mine for 2.5 years. 

Overall it's been a great experience but you have to have the right house in the right location.

I wouldn't do it with the average Detroit house.

I own and operate a STR in Detroit and this is the first I'm hearing of this regulation.

I'm not convinced it exists. Do you have a source?

 Hey Jason, let me know if you need anything :-)

Hey Lauren, I'm not personally invested in Boise but I know a very prominent and successful agent there. He works mostly with investors and owns 8 properties there himself.

Happy to connect if you'd like.

Hey Loan, I get it—trying to find cash-flowing deals in the Bay Area is like searching for a needle in a haystack.

I’ve been investing in Detroit for a while now, and it's one of the few places that still offers great cash flow opportunities. Beyond just solid rent-to-price ratios, there’s a lot going on: the city’s undergoing revitalization, the population is growing again, and there's real potential for appreciation if you’re buying in the right spots. The low entry costs and upside make it worth considering, especially for someone investing from out of state.

If Detroit’s on your radar or you’re curious to learn more, feel free to DM me—I can point you to some resources that might help.

Venecia, I totally get it—there's so much content out there that it can feel overwhelming, and taking that first step can be really daunting.

What I’d encourage you to do is really sit down and think: what's holding you back? Is it fear of losing money? Not sure if you'll pick the right property? Lack of knowledge about financing? Once you know what specifically is stopping you, you can address it directly—whether that means learning more, asking specific questions, or just taking a smaller step forward.

Sometimes the biggest hurdle is just narrowing down that fear and facing it head-on. Let me know if you want to dig into it more—I’m happy to help however I can.

Leo, good to see you here brother!

I know you've been doing well in Toledo and you've been potentially eyeing Detroit as well.

Absolutely love your story and enthusiasm, and I know you've got a lot of knowledge and inspiration you can share with investors that are just getting started.