Denise’s approach to passive investing in larger deals would also be a way to generate solid returns without the stress of direct ownership.If you’re looking for actionable next steps:Speak with a business broker to explore your options before selling / tapping into your equity.Talk to a lender to see what financing and leverage options exist.Look into syndications or passive investment opportunities like Denise suggested.Join local and online real estate groups to connect with people successfully executing these strategies.There’s no single “right” answer, but the key is making a decision that keeps your money working for you without locking you into another job.

Cities like Cleveland offer affordable properties, strong rental demand, and solid cash flow potential.

However, if your time is limited or you don’t want to deal with tenants directly, hiring a property manager can make your life much easier—just be sure to choose one with solid local experience.Are you currently house hacking in Chicago?

A solid broker has established lending relationships.

That’s a solid way to put it—BRRRR is really just value-add investing at its core.

On top of that, the rent-to-price ratios in Detroit often outperform other markets, which can mean solid cash flow alongside appreciation potential as the city continues to grow.The key with Detroit is understanding the nuances of the market—it has a large footprint, and neighborhoods can vary drastically, even block by block.

Based on how I am reading your summary it sounds like there is solid equity in the 2-family in order for a bank to cross-collaterize assets. 

I'd issue a notice of non renewal, do the work that's needed to get the property rent ready and find a solid tenant that will help you get to your goals. 

Having this information allows me to give my clients a solid understanding of current market conditions, enhancing our discussions and decision-making.

🙏☺️ I completely understand where you’re coming from & you’re right that owning real estate is a key step toward truly being an investor.I’m still new to the game, but I have a solid plan in place to move toward ownership & establish myself as a real estate investor.