Finding a good contractor was difficult. I

The way I see it your partner scenario could have an advantage over a property manager because they have more skin in the game. 

Where I’ve had difficulty finding direction are the verbiage on direct mail letters.

JV with them.All HML want some type of skin in the game.

Hello @Kevin Zhang, there are many ways to skin a cat.

Anyway,  I'm having difficulties with my insurance company, at least that they decided to drop my insurance due to some vague issues.   

They have more skin in the game then you do.Make sure you get clear title.

I'm under contract for a duplex and part of the qualifications for the loan was income earned by tenants. One of them is all of a sudden breaking lease and this could up end qualification for the loan. How do I have o...

I had to build some credibility and have some skin in the game, though.If I were in your shoes I'd try to find an investor to partner with who can carry the loan, and you can bring some or all of the down payment.

There is definitely money to be made, but given given that much of Detroit is a war zone, you may have difficulty obtaining a good property manager that can run your out of state investment.