All Forum Posts by: Travis Biziorek

I'd echo what Drew says.

While I don't have as much experience with DHC, I do have a few S8 tenants and definitely agree with his final thoughts... "If you're persistent, you can get things done, but it does take a lot of time."

That's definitely true. We just went through a rent increase on one of mine and I'm moving it over to a property manager and getting payments changed over has been a process. But it's tolerable if you stay on them and just expect that things take time.

Hey Nicholas,

If you’re looking at Section 8 investing in Ohio, I’d definitely encourage you to take a look at Detroit as well. The market has a lot of strong points right now: affordable entry prices, great rent-to-price ratios, and high demand for rentals, especially in the Section 8 space.

What’s even more exciting is the direction Detroit is heading. Property values have been appreciating rapidly in recent years, and the city’s population has started growing again—a trend we haven’t seen in decades.

I’m also based in California and have been investing in Detroit for several years, so I understand the concerns of out-of-state investing. That said, it’s been a great market for me—strong cash flow, significant appreciation, and plenty of opportunity for investors who take the time to understand the market’s nuances.

If you decide to explore Detroit further, feel free to reach out—I’m always happy to share insights and what I’ve learned along the way.

Good luck on your investing journey!

—Travis

Hey Caleb,

The short answer is yes—MLS systems are regional, so photo availability and listing practices can vary quite a bit. That said, even with photos, comping homes in Detroit proper is extremely difficult. You’ll often see sales with 100-200% swings within the same area, which makes having deep local knowledge and understanding the nuances absolutely critical.

I do this for a living, and even with experience, comping in Detroit can still be challenging. Whether you’re looking at SFHs, duplexes, or other properties, it’s important to pair on-paper data with boots-on-the-ground knowledge to really get a sense of values.

If you’re considering anything serious in Detroit, I’d recommend connecting with someone who knows the market inside and out. If you let us know more about what you're trying to accomplish I may be able to point you in the right direction.

—Travis

 I literally just had this conversation with a prospective client when he asked me what a typical outcome looks like.

I told him everyone nods and agrees when I drill into them the risks of investing OOS and in Detroit. But many of them think "that won't be me though!".

Inevitably, there are some that are not cut out for the turbulence and want to sell after less than a year of ownership. Then they're confused why they aren't going to break even when they have an a unit that needs work post-eviction. 

The people that have success truly understand there will be challenges and keep moving forward when they happen. 

Hey Nicholle, you'll probably have more success through a site like Turno.com

I own and operate a STR in Detroit. And I just did a big write up on it.

Short of it is it does well, and no I'm not removing mechanicals between stays lol

I don't believe you can check this beforehand. Some lines they will say have been "cut" but they put in a disclaimer on all sales that they don't know if a line might be cut.

Hey Kent,

It sounds like you're making a smart move to consider out-of-state investing, especially with the criteria you've set. I'd suggest giving Detroit a closer look. I personally started investing there in 2019 with a budget not too far off from yours, and I've been able to build up a portfolio of 12 doors since then, which now kicks off over $16,500 in gross monthly rents.

Detroit has a lot going for it—affordable price points, strong rental demand, and good opportunities for cash flow, especially with single-family homes and duplexes in certain areas. The market can be tricky with its block-by-block nature, but it's been a great fit for all-cash purchases like yours.

I also have a team on the ground in Detroit that helps manage everything from finding deals to overseeing rehabs, which is crucial for out-of-state investors. If you're interested in diving into Detroit and want to talk more or need some insights, feel free to reach out.

Wishing you the best on your journey out of San Diego investing!

—Travis

Hey Samantha, I'm personally not a fan of paying off mortgages—especially fixed-rate long-term debt like yours. With historical inflation in mind, that mortgage is essentially an asset. Plus, given where rates are right now, I genuinely believe we're at or near a local peak.

I expect rates will head lower soon, maybe revisiting 6% in the coming months. In fact, I've got some bets in the markets that hinge on this happening. The incoming administration definitely won't want high rates for long either, which might work in your favor.

My two cents: I'd hold onto both properties. This is fixed-rate debt that you'll probably be thankful for down the line. If things are tight right now, maybe consider a side hustle or extra job until rent adjustments give you more breathing room. I think if you sell now, there's a good chance you’ll look back in 5-10 years and regret letting go of such good debt.

They absolutely are. I don't think we go super low. But I wouldn't be surprised to see us settle in the low 6.00% range.

I have some aggressive bets in stocks and long duration bonds that will benefit if/when that happens. If you look at charts it's pretty obvious we've already made the turn on bonds/rates.