DIYing the place can help save money, but for someone that doesn't have all the tools and know how, it'll probably take longer and might cost more.

I'm not saying the next light bulb won't be invented (it took 10,000 tries) but plan on a long slog to make it happen in real estate.We and our Joint Venture partners use a fairly sophisticated spreadsheet with a lot of automatically input variables and at the end of the day, it is still experience and second guessing the market that works best.

I would not venture beyond your skill set and suggest you risk harming yourself, such as getting electrocuted, however, once you have completed your work, have it inspected with the local building inspector.

I've been investing in Michigan for a few years, but haven't ventured into Detroit until now.

Hello all,I am trying to determine what I can contribute to a potential joint venture involving myself, another investor, and a builder.

\/O\/ I like the "clear evidence of gentrification" area you mention.Yes, it is a slow process and good things take time but stick to that pocket IMO.Buy cheap with a margin of safety, work the market since you are local and you will have a much higher rate of success than a DIY out of state investors.Just my opinion and wishing you much success

That said, that’s a perfectly fine budget if you’re willing to venture a little beyond the city limits.

I am looking for insights if I should perform a DIY cost seg or if I should work with a firm? 

@Joseph Lombard we agree with @Travis Biziorek.Suggest you change your post title to: "DIY Investors Please Share Your Detroit Area Contractors" or something similar to appeal to fellow DIY'ers and any contractors.

You appear to have a Class A property that will be fairly easy to manage (even DIY!)