Sure you could do a money market or put it in an ETF or something, but this is one of the options where the balance "can't" go down or is extremely low risk while making a decent yield.

I'm just suggesting you be well informed:I loved reading Robert Kiyosaki's "Rich Dad Poor Dad"... it was extremely informative and eye opening... albeit told in a bit of a crazy way.  

That said, even with photos, comping homes in Detroit proper is extremely difficult.

It's not likely you'll be able to rent rooms out for 1500-2K per month unless it is an extremely nice house/area.

I found them extremely knowledgeable, informative, and responsive.

For example, if you have no experience in land development - that is extremely complex and risky compared to owning NNN rentals. 

They sold two appreciated duplexes in Dallas and we turned them into 8 units in Mesa, AZ with higher cash-flow, and much closer proximity to Southern California.I'll add to your Phoenix "pros" list:1) Landlord friendly rental rules2) Easy evictions in < 30 days3) Rents are rising faster (on a % basis) than many other metro areas4) Low property taxes (and the property taxes don't sky rocket after a purchase as they do in CA)5) Very low vacancy and extremely high tenant demand.

When it rains or hails a metal roof that's is open to the living area is extremely loud.

I just don't see you being able to do a whole lot to allow you to sell it quickly outside of lowering your price to something extremely compelling.  

Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are both extremely strong right now , with most people overpaying in the years that you mentioned and simply not KNOWING OR CARING  how to properly run a top notch Air BNB.