At least upgrade to a spreadsheet and start tracking things the way your CPA wants.With five properties, I would consider moving to a CPA firm with staff and more than one set of eyes on your books.

Or, a place where lots of new houses are being built might give you an indication that its an opportunity zone or in high demand.Smart Steps to TakeLook Back in Time: Use Google Maps to flip through images from different years to see how things have changed on and around the property.Spot the Signs: Keep an eye out for things like construction activity, nearby abandoned areas, traffic velocity to understand how things have developed over time.Predict the Future: Knowing what’s happened before can help you guess what might happen next.

Check out the Strategic Neighborhood Fund.The city is also currently getting ready for the NFL draft which will bring more eyes on Detroit.

If you are starting out investing in real estate, you will have a lot less chance of failing by keeping your eyes on your investment.

I would recommend looking into a property management company if you are going to invest out of state, simply due to the fact that property management can be your eyes and ears on the property and would have local experience that you could benefit from.

I love looking at thousands of properties to find the true diamond that catches my eye.   

An eye opening thread.

You will get more eyes and it is where this kind of post belongs.

I fear that without a "contractor eye" my viewings of any property that needs rehab is pointless.

Properties more than a hour away are hard to keep your eyes on.I have  would think out the older Properties to sell.Sounds like that many tenants being that late is scary.