So I've been around a block or two.I say what I say as an attempt to let you know more about this world and I have not meant for you to take this advice personally. 

Just completed a large remodel on my primary residence ($90k in) with the goal of refinancing to consolidate some personal debt and pull some additional cash for other real estate related projects, BUT ran into a road block with a lender.

I will even strongly consider Englewood or auburn Gresham as long as it’s a decent block and property because once I move out the property I can rent out to CHA/SEC 8 tenants.

Detroit isn't zip code run, it's block by block, literally. 

Fine you checked the block, no fee.The service animal scam at the verbal level is just one of a long line of traits in potential tenants I do my best to avoid.

I had two properties surveyed a few blocks away in 2/2017 for $450 each.

The vending machine blocks the entire sidewalk.

And then pick a couple of neighborhoods  maybe a 2 mile be 2 mile block, walk/drive them and get to know what the prices are. 

Oh, and almost forgot, all of the units are within a couple blocks of each other, not sure if that makes a difference, but I'm still trying to decide whether to self manage or pay a property manager to do that.

I actually saw a crappy little dumpy house on Schmitz (one block north of Texas St.) go for $160K. 900sf!