It depends on management style I guess.

Since you’re in research mode, getting familiar with neighborhood-specific trends will be key, some areas have strong rental demand, while others can be trickier to manage. 

Here are a few stats which should raise an eyebrow about Detroit $1 billion invested in more than 4,600 units of affordable housing over the past five years Job growth with more than 25,000 more Detroiters employed since 2014 A return to investment grade bond status for the first time since 2009Reductions in crime beating national trends, including the fewest homicides in 57 years Successfully hosting the largest ever NFL Draft at 775,000 people over three days In terms of starting out in Real Estate it also makes sense to invest in Detroit considering that the entry costs are low and if you plan to buy and hold, Section 8 makes for a great partner to insure steady rent payments.

My two favorite loan options for getting started are the FHA 203k or the Fannie May Home Style. 

You have to keep up with rent trends or tough it out and wait for hopefully a stronger rental market this spring.   

I’ll admit the fear of failure and unknown holds me back regardless of goes many articles or reports I read or deals I look at.during this search hundreds and hundreds of ads come through for training/mentorship style groups.

I would pick a market area you like and start doing a bunch of deep dive deal analysis, but from a rental and not a life style standpoint.  

Its a risky expensive job.Obviously this is one market but the trend is not positive.

Rental Market Trends: Is this zip code trending positively for investors looking for cash flow, or should I expect stagnant rents and challenges with appreciation?

The trend is down, but hovering just south of 4%.