The major factor to standing out in any market is design.

I imagine it’s a relatively short drive from Southwestern Ontario, and it offers some unique opportunities that align well with what you’re looking for.Detroit has seen tremendous progress over the last decade, with significant investment and revitalization in many areas.

There are more factors than just the community (#beds, level of theming, location to the amenities, style of home (single family, townhome, condo) and others) But I would strongly advise to stay within some of the same communities you mentioned like Storey Lake, Windsor Hills, Championsgate and a few others if cash flow is your goal.

Their company is pretty great at not responding to their communities people , not following local law yet alone their own lease agreements The uptick of lot rents I get it it’s business but also driving out affordability for people which again it’s a business so some may say that part is just the territory , but not following lease agreements , hiring poor management and then doing nothing about it when it’s escalated is a reflection on their business aswell   best of luck. 

* What are some factors to consider when identifying these hot spots?

And of course, will gladly drive somewhere for a couple days, park myself somewhere and work-remotely as needed. 

@Alex Messner, your decision, amongst other factors, mainly depends on you and your wife's financial profile. 

And if you recognize it is a good time to buy won’t everyone else see that it is a good time to buy too and then jump into the market and drive prices up?

Take good notes, ask good questions and then, and only then, after you have completed a transaction and feel confident, should you ever try and venture off on your own.Think of it like this...... you can drive without car insurance. 

One of the major driving factors for increased premiums is the carrier's requirement for higher replacement cost limits on file for buildings.