They might work for smaller mom-and-pop units (2-8 units), but not for anything larger.Most owners of larger, more established multi-family properties don’t fall into the category of distressed landlords that off-market strategies usually target.

I'd attack the credit report :) 1) lower (pay down) whatever accounts have a high utilization percentage 2) contact each of 3 major consumer credit agencies and get a free report, then dispute every hard inquiry that is *NOT* associated with an open account 3) call the credit cards you already have established and ask for a credit line increase -- often can be done online and they do not verify income, hint hint. 

To be a reliable and successful Private Money Lender, focus on building strong relationships with borrowers and real estate professionals, thoroughly assess each investment opportunity by conducting due diligence on the property and the borrower's financial background, and establish clear lending criteria to mitigate risk.

🏦To get to the point where you can avoid personal guarantees, you’ll need to build your business credit over time:Open trade lines in your business’s name (utilities, vendors, etc.).Make sure you’re reporting payments to business credit agencies like D&B.Keep your debt-to-income ratio low and maintain good cash flow.It doesn’t really matter if it’s an LLC or S-Corp—what matters most is establishing the business as a strong, creditworthy entity.But yeah, in the early stages, personal guarantees are almost unavoidable.

You could get in with an established company that is looking for help.

However dependent upon taxable income you could get away with a pretty low tax bill due to favorable capital gains tax rates.Be sure to work with a qualified intermediary and a tax professional to ensure you comply with all 1031 exchange regulations and to be sure you keep basis correct as all a 1031 does is defer your gain.Happy to help run some numbers or do some basic analysis for you if you would like. 

If your looking for the least amount of risk and biggest bang for your buck I would look for a company that is a reputable turnkey provider thats actually in Detroit and offers things such as an efficient boots on the ground team, all sorts of established local relationships, solid in-house management, an operation that is highly skilled and well versed in section 8, a company that has proven relationships with both out of state and local lenders.

They are either already under regulation and scrutiny, are they will be too expensive for you to make a good profit in. 

I am aware of certain zoning and regulations but am looking to further my knowledge before potentially venturing deeper.

Most enticing is it is located on a very well established street with a wall score of 92 - lots of restaurants, bars, shops and a park nearby.