I have always had an entrepreneurial streak and had a serious crash and burn with a brick and mortar manufacturing business.  

I currently work as an entry-level Electrical Engineer at a manufacturing plant in Columbia, SC.

Former suburban dwelling millenials and empty nesters alike are finding the lifestyle in these areas very fun and desirable.Furthermore, the housing policies in these regions necessarily constrain stock (article from The Atlantic), so real estate is traded more like a precious metal than something manufactured. 

I currently work in Detroit as a corporate buyer for a large tier 1 automotive manufacturer. 

Every time I see or hear the word "FLEX" involved with a commercial property it seems like it's an obsolete building that's laid out all wrong on the property, that was specifically built to manufacture something like steam powered typewriters.It will have low ceilings, loading docks unable to accommodate modern tractor trailers, and two phase electric.Even if the building is modern, It'll be built for some kind of business that was put out by some kind of big box retailer.

However, with Dan Gilbert making huge investments in the downtown area (Quicken Loans jobs),and other manufacturing jobs coming to that area, would it be wise for someone with experience investing out of state to start looking into getting into that market before home prices increase?

I have two other manufactured homes one of them is less than 15 years old but as far as I know I can't get any financing on it.   

I like my job but I do have a long commute as a manufacturing engineer.

I'm having a hard time figuring out how to evaluate a deal on a manufactured home.

Follow manufacturers directions to a T and you should have a quality finished product.