While your condo snowball strategy builds equity, modest cash flow and HOA fees may limit returns.

The seller would use this strategy when they don't have a lot of equity in the house.

(yeah, maybe I shouldn't be broadcasting my sick twisted forms of entertainment and strategy should I)BUT, most importantly is KNOW YOUR MAO and follow the math. 

By the time they research and go down all the rabbit holes of different strategies, never sticking to one in order to gain traction, they get exhausted, throw their hands up and never take any real substantive action.Pick something and go with it, all the way to its conclusion.  

Work with a qualified intermediary and tax advisor to ensure compliance and optimize your strategy.

There's no step by step guide but there are key things : Learn: RE strategies, what interests you, what do people in your area need.Connect: find a mentor, accountability group and be around those doing what you want to do.Help: solve problems- do people need dealflow, property mgmt, construction expertise, etc. 

This gives you a foundation for making a fair offer.Secure Financing: Be prepared to show you’re a serious buyer with funding lined up, whether through cash, traditional financing, or a creative option like seller financing.Have a Strategy for Repairs or Development: If the property is distressed, outline how you’ll handle improvements to bring it back to productive use.

That said, Detroit is very much a block-by-block market, so understanding the dynamics of specific areas is critical.For professional investors (and even newer ones), Detroit’s future is bright if you approach it with the right strategy, solid due diligence, and an understanding of the challenges.

@Stephen FlemingFrom my experience working with over 400 investors, your strategy of leveraging a low mortgage rate, tapping into home equity, and diversifying with a short-term rental (STR) in Northern Michigan is well thought out.

I think the real estate professional strategy works if it is your primary source of income.