If you are looking at a 300 unit apartment complex with a $100mm purchase price, then typically you want large, diverse economic, growing cities.If you are buying an Airbnb, well this is a marketing game. 

Which is very complex and costly and likely warrants professional help.Now, if it's just you and your spouse, then your 2024 tax preparation is likely relatively straightforward:- you will create a Schedule C on your personal tax return- you will NOT report any costs of purchasing the property or its rehab, not in 2024- you will report your business overhead expenses such as marketing, driving, technology etc- you will end up with a business schedule showing zero income and some expenses - not breaking the rules but potentially raising an audit flagCan you do it yourself?

If I could deploy the same amount of up front cost to purchase an up and running portfolio.My calculations tell me that I can be cash flowing much more if I spend the money on a portfolio or complex.

Quote from @Casey Wilson: Hi there, I was wondering if any Detroit-metro experts from the PB community could offer advice on what areas in the Detroit-metro area might be worth exploring for rental properties (ranging from single family homes to 5+ unit apartment complexes).

However, full site visits, though more expensive, maximize tax savings by capturing every depreciable asset and offer better audit protection.While online studies may be suitable for simpler properties, full site visits are ideal for complex or high-value properties.

If you do it right, it’s arguably the best market to invest.Purchase: $80k-$130kRent: $1100-$1500 (no rent control in MI)1% rule: .9%-1.4% rule dealsCoc ROI: 5-12%Total ROI: 20-40%Cash flow: $50-$250/door (after all expenses and budgeting for maint, capex, vacancy)Appreciation: 3-10%+ (has been double digit for a decade)Location: C+, B-These numbers are based on the “sweet spot” in Metro Detroit.

Include a sweet outdoor area maybe with a pergola, jacuzzi feature.

I will keep this very short and sweet.

There is a sweet spot for 2500 to 5000 sqft units.  

If you plan to grow your portfolio, consider setting up separate LLCs for each property to shield them from liabilities tied to others, though this adds complexity and costs.