Detroit was once the most prosperous manufacturing city in the world.In the 1950s, Detroit was a major American city with a dynamic labor force built on the manufacturing miracle that won World War II.

That way the visual is not overbearing.

Now I am a little bias as you can tell but.. it is interesting to think of the west coast and Mid west dynamics.

There are other ideas in that we have asset level data and portfolio level data and each level has inputs and outputs which can be meaningful however, portfolio dynamic discussions attached to this already long thread likely have you retiring before you finished reading.

Everything seems in good shape from visual inspection, and the previous owner removed unsightly wood panneling, repainted, added new carpet and flooring and upgraded some plumbing.

Second I assume you are looking for single family houses for long term rentals to hold and not rehabs or commercial properties.If that's the case you need to be very careful investing from afar in single family houses as the dynamics are different.Do not be sold on a property where they say it's CLOSE to this great area etc.Instead look at population growth, quality of schools, the economic planning department, permits pulled for building, whether the state is business friendly and whether it is a pro-tenant or pro-landlord state, median income levels, job growth, and crime levels ( violent versus non-violent offenses ) etc.Many more metrics to look at but this will get you started.

After looking at the house, he saved me $300 bucks by recommending against a his chimney inspection (his visual convinced him there were no problems) and his radon inspection (he recommended I just buy my own kit).  

Obviously as you pointed out if that information was known at contract acceptance then it changes the dynamic of what the buyer could expect.

This is purely for the visual (added natural light) enhancement of our (owners) living quarters.

One of course being if they are become non-compliant with the terms of the rental agreement, two if they expect any special favors or rent breaks that you would not customarily give to other tenants, and three if they can't understand your separate roles, as you are wearing multiple hats (nephew and landlord) which can significantly change the dynamics of the relationship.