I'm looking at a place like 2.5 blocks from it.

You can very well avoid the pain and headache when it comes to maintaining it.

Look for cross or blocking on the joists for earthquake and general stability. 

Iḿ doing well and can absorb so much more than they average American, and still all the rate increases was painful.

Detroit is a block by block city.

We eventually found the perfect property that was located 1 block from the street car.

It only takes 2-3 nice buildings on a block to make an impact. 

About classes Detroit is a street by street city not necessarily by class you have class B and a block away is a war zone so you do need boots on the ground for sure DM me or Travis and I give you some guidance but going solo is a little difficult partnering up would be a little easier and less risk but again up to you. 

And then the solution was to block my unit off as owner-booked, or to “resign the listing.”

They can change quickly and, as you'll hear, Detroit can be very "block by block".That said, there is a TON of opportunity if you understand the landscape and what you're doing.