But yes, overall it would mean net supply increase.I know I'm probably the only one here on this board that has this view, I don't paint myself as a contrarian.

., roof repair, window replacement, floor replacement, painting, etc.

I haven't yet found a pressure treated and fire rated lumber or an intumescent paint that can be used for exterior applications.

Positive ROI include siding and paint. 

I recently talked to a local insurance agent that has been assisting some of the out of town buyers with insurance policies and the majority of them have purchased these properties sight unseen without any knowledge of the neighborhood they're in, school district, condition of the home itself apart from the pictures with fresh paint and new countertop or even seeing the homes surrounding it that have been condemned by the city. 

No chipping paint (but only if have a child under 6) garage door isn't needed.

If they were identical and one wanted a parking block painted and the other didn't care, who is to say the seller has to take the one that wanted the work done at any cost?

I have about $300 on my credit cards (just finally paid them off for the most part, and have about $20,000 limit).My cash on hand is relatively light, but what my plan was was to find some single family homes in the north Detroit area (currently anywhere from $40-$60k and put about $15-20k tops into any repairs or fixes (not looking for total rehabs, mostly something I can do some small repairs here and there and paint, personally I am knowledgeable about renovating up until complex electric and plumbing).

Given you said it’s unlivable, you’re probably looking at kitchen, bath, floors and paint.

The duplex needs about $25K in work (update flooring, update the kitchen, update the bathrooms, paint the walls).