Detroit offers solid cash flow potential, a relatively low barrier to entry, and the market fundamentals are improving with a growing population and significant investments in the city.Since you’re based in upstate NY, Detroit is also a quick and easy flight, making it easier to visit and get a feel for the market if you’re considering out-of-state investing.

I started this a little over 3 years ago now.I think thorough research, and data will help make educated decisions, and the real winner in this market is finding a mix of at least 2 of the four:  Off market discount, fixer upper, lowball on market offer, or seller financed/subto.Also if you are planning to do it in a populated area I also think its good to take on the idea of not cash flowing for a few years, and also considering air bnb if you want to reduce costs even more.

I would suggest looking in Columbus Ohio for so many reasons - population growth, job growth, and companies moving here.

Population still increased.

DFW is a fantastic market for multi-family investments, thanks to its strong job and population growth.

The markets open up if you are not planning on doing the management yourself.There are many markets that are growing in population and jobs throughout the country if you are willing to look at OOS investing. 

If for aging population he might do ranch versus multi level.  

Per this NY Times article, the average American knows around 600 people.https://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/19/science/the-average-american-knows-how-many-people.html#:~:text=The%20average%20American%20knows%20about,do%20you%20know%20named%20Kevin%3FPer the US Census Bureau, the average American moves 11.7 time in their life, which based upon an approximate lifespan of 84 years, works out to be about every 7 years.https://www.census.gov/topics/population/migration/guidance/calculating-migration-expectancy.html#:~:text=Using%202007%20ACS%20data%2C%20it,one%20move%20per%20single%20yearSo, if the average American knows 600 people and they each move about every 7 years, that means that the average American knows around 85 people that move in any given year.How many of those moves do you want to be involved in?

I just can't there because I don't see a path toward appreciation or population growth (especially in Decatur).The longer that I have owned in markets that appreciate well, I see the benefit finding a way to either just get by in years 1-2-3 on long term or using short or mid term strategies in markets that appreciate well.

Additionally, they've avoided 40-50 hard credit inquiries populating on their credit as a result of the soft credit inquiry that we utilize for DSCR loans.If DSCR loans are a new thing to you, I would recommend checking out some articles here on Bigger Pockets or giving me a call to learn more.