I think it is possible for me to renovate the unit because it is the internal part of the building and not the external.

Future home sales will need to come from younger buyers unless older people plan on trading houses to one another in an internal game of property ladder.

If you are having trouble getting in with a property management company you could always offer to work as an unpaid intern for a period or allow them to withhold your salary for the first couple months and if they are satisfied with your work then they can back pay you. 

I agree to find the area of real estate that resonates with you the most and matches your long and short term goals then find someone that you can mentor/intern/work with to learn the ropes and gain experience. 

It isn't about return; it is about capital preservation.It will be interesting to see how the NYC luxury condo market fares now that we are starting to see the international buyer pool cool down a little bit.

I traveled to the city and spoke to residents in several neighborhoods before I actually started investing.Finding a good contractor in Detroit proper can also be a bit difficult.

@Dave Dagostino - when I said survey, I just meant he walked through the house to take the internal measurements for a room-by-room layout. 

If not, please let me know where I should ask the following:I've come across some real eye sores of buildings during my travels around the Unites States.

I have a sister who was a traveling nurse and she probably rented a place like mine in her travels!

It's walking distance to everything (hospital, huge malls, shopping area, international schools), it's within a rising business district (lots of companies are transferring offices here), it's beside a national park (no other building will obstruct its view), and the business district where it resides is sandwiched between two major business districts.