For anyone on here who is a local investor, what are some highlights I can incorporate to be more persuasive and help prospective investors to overcome their "fear" of investing in Detroit? 

Sure, take 10,000 homes bought by investors, and do regression analysis that gives me an indication of variables that are common, like geographic area, home value, home owner's age, income level, political persuasion, gender, ethnicity, or anything else!

I've read lots of books on business, selling, persuasion, people, investing, etc., but I'm having a hard time finding a sales position considering I don't have a degree, which a lot of employers require.

How can you get them to help you accomplish something real, in the real world, without you lifting a finger.You will have to use a lot of your leadership ability and persuasion skills, but it is possible to get things done.

Simply having another tool of persuasion such as the threat of towing and actual towing of a vehicle is no different than any other leverage a LL may apply.

But, to your response, I have been following up with them, and not being persuasive about anything.

Now, that Sean is in receipt of the closing funds, responses take 24 hours...Before experiencing this very unprofessional way of handling business - I knew there wouldn't be a second time at bat with Sean and this company given the persuasion of becoming the buyer instead of the lender, and the 3% monthly management fee outlined in the JV agreement.

Check out books like Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert B.

If it's a good house that will sell close to ask, no ones entertaining a low-ball despite any list or persuasion that's submitted with it.This can definitely work on a property that has sat on the market a while, is in question shape, or has other issues (bad tenants).Jacob

They also have to be good negotiators and persuasive enough to get a property owner under contract at a below market rate .I think a lot of it depends on the area too .