But HUD has stated that because those with criminal records are dis-proportionally African Americans, to reject someone based on having criminal records alone is a problem.  

Detroit's; 2X the size @ 700k pop, +80% African American, 10% white non-hispanic, single industry automotive focused, for a start.Cleveland's; 300k population, 50% African American, 40% white non-hispanic, and carries health care, insurance, manufacturing (Probably 70% non-auto), and financial sector jobs.

I recall reading in the Washington Post about a year or two ago an article about how African-American homeowners were not benefiting as much from the housing recovery.

Lots of things are changing in Avondale my friend.As you know Avondale is predominantly African American & lower-income neighborhoods.However, with the spot where my project is, I am getting a different tenant-base: middle-class African American, white, Asian, millennials and so on.

AFRICAN PROVERB

I am at the beginning of my search looking for good areas to purchase 1 to 2 short-term rentals in up-and-coming areas of Philadelphia...a plus for properties in need of major renovations, and ones close to African American cultural attractions. 

So this is part of the South African project?

My household, we are AFRICAN AMERICANS.     

The US District Attorney sued Donald Sterling for 2.75 million for discrimination against African Americans, Hispanics and families with children at scores of apartment buildings he owns in and around Los Angeles.Source: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2009/11/donald-sterling-to-pay-2725-million-to-settle-housing-discrimination-lawsuit.html

As for wholesaling, I do not know how it works in Ghana, but I would definitely seek advice from a real estate attorney as laws in many African countries can be more complicated (fewer legal assurances) than in American or European countries.