Essentially I want to transition into Real Estate Investing and Developing in the long run.

Has been a great transition, does not cost me much and very easy to use.  

In both cities, the firms I selected are the ones that didn't just answer my questions, but collected information from me ahead of time (property locations, valuation, current rent roll, etc.) and came to me, unasked, during our first meetings with not just their credentials and "sales pitch", but a specific plan for how they would transition the properties, and more importantly, look out for my long-term goals (eg; in the case of raleigh, we have several units renting under market value and the firm came to me proactively with a plan to get those units up to market rent or higher over the next 3-5 years).

After we get the repairs I'm almost positive the value will go up (new transit line close by, super hot market) but feel it would have been much wiser to buy into a newer building and get out before it starts needing repairs. 

My company also has an office in Durham so the transition to NC might be easier for us.  

I am at the stage in my life where there is transition. 

As I travel back and forth to Detroit I see a city that is going through a major transition...

My career keeps me busy, but looking to build a real estate portfolio to transition from my career as I plan for retirement. 

As I approach a career transition, I am looking forward to starting a new business endeavor soon with my wife into the real estate world, with the goal of one day getting out of the proverbial "rat race."

This is scary transition since if I don't get in the game fast enough and no cash flow I may go under, looking to do real estate investing as well as note selling/buying.