So it's very easy to criticize these markets if you've never been here or really know anything about the area and are just making broad, sweeping generalizations, but if you have a strong team on the ground who can help you buy in the right neighborhoods and maximize your returns, you can do very well in this market, and I'm sure Detroit as well.I had a buyer who bought a duplex in Cleveland for 85k last year.  

But by putting it into a broadly diversified index fund like others have mentioned, you'll get the higher "expected" returns of the stock market.  

Majority of South Philly-Newbold (19146/45), Point Breeze (19146/45), Wharton/ Dickinson Narrows (19147/48)Brewerytown (19121)True Temple - 11th to 19th, Cecil B Moore to Diamond, most investors may be stuck on Broad-18th(19121/19122) West Oak Lane Closer to Cheltenham Ave (19126)Port Richmond SE of Aramingo, SW of Allegheny Ave (19134)East Kenzo (19125)/Old Kenzo (1923)/Norris Square (19123/33)W Mt.

It's worth the $250.You have a pretty broad and "standard" list of items that you would inspect for sure!

I've paid for a handful of programs over the years from cheap to expensive and narrow-focused to broad-based. 

Your question is too broad.  

I know exactly where this duplex is---in Broad Ripple over by Mama Corolla's and the Liter House.John Jacobs Real Estate Investor and Private Money Lender  Indianapolis, IN

And they all fall under the category of "bring your A game."

What’s your game plan for your first rental?

But by coming together with others, one can get in the game and put their money to work in these bigger, potentially greater return deals without having to do it solo.