My original loan amount is $323K, balance left $319K at 7% and 28 yrs and 8 months left.

These areas tend to provide the best balance of affordability and rental demand.That said, Detroit’s market is unique.

There are NO minimium balances. 

On balance I have made way, way more money from appreciation that I ever did from cash flow.To me the most important consideration is to always have money or access to money, never be forced to sell.

It's called a payoff statementif it's a big lender you will not buy the loan as it will take forever, you are better just paying it off. you then can foreclose based on the total balance owed to you which is both loans and any accrued interest. regarding fixing property or selling as is, that really depends and needs to be evaluated on a case by case basis 

If anyone has tips for tackling those first few deals, insights on balancing these strategies, or just wants to connect, I’d love to chat!

You also mentioned an unpaid water bill, so be sure to deduct any outstanding balance from that bill as well. 

Significant and sustained population growth leads to demand exceeding current supply, causing prices to rise until there's a rough balance between sellers and buyers.

As I want to have work life balance in perspective of my life time and want to get the work done now. 

The market will naturally balance itself.