People who are against Condos usually say this:The HOA will eat up a lot of your profit.  

I can't change my Property manager's way of doing business, but I can change who I hire to manager my nest egg.

What if it's sat on the market cause the seller really just wants to have his cake and eat it too?

I will humbly eat crow if you provide details.

Will the costs eat me alive?

There is obviously more risk with rehab and maintenance costs eating into your margin, but our team is pretty competent in assessing the risk and dealing with the work. 

you "eat what you kill" (SO have cash reserves or other income to get you through the startup phase)9) Depends.

Lastly, if you have any recommendations of must-eats in Kansas City, please let me know.

The situation: Moving to Detroit and need to stay in the downtown/metro area for the next 3-4 years. Have savings built up that I initially earmarked for real estate in my hometown but with the upcoming move I'm wonde...

But you will have other expenses too: insurance, property taxes, maybe some of the utilities or HOA fees (I am assuming you are paying cash - if not, then a mortgage payment may eat up a lot of your profit).