I look for areas with low crime, close to entertainment/foodie areas, ok schools, thriving business, high rents, good access to downtown where many young professionals want to live.

utm_source=search&utm_medium=internal&utm_campaign=books (books recommended by BPers)Simply, bone up on the areas that you need to expand knowledge in such as, Forums, Marketplace, Learn, Network, Analyze and Resources.Feast on the Podcasts, #askbp Podcasts, blogs and webinars Lastly, this site thrives on interactions and as such we encourage two way exchanges and look forward to educational, thought provoking ideas relevant to REI.

I haven't had guidance so far, so I hope that with the help of people here on the forums I will be able to thrive.

Regional tends to be second best and weakest is usually mom and pop tenant.Some places in California thrive on mom and pop unique type tenants so that might make up more of your market than national brands.

The market is, thus far, thriving.  

Problem properties are where wholesalers thrive. 

Now, you simply have to work on the other elements to progress your REI pursuit.Ok, now that you have taken your initial step, below are some quick links to get engaged. http://www.biggerpockets.com/startherehttp://www.biggerpockets.com/ubghttp://www.biggerpockets.com/meetSetting up Keyword AlertsHow to Use @Mentions on BiggerPockets25 Tips for Real Estate Success However, this site thrives on interactions and as such we encourage two way exchanges and look forward to educational and thought provoking ideas relevant to REI.

Because Detroit is probably a long LONG way from recovering or thriving the way it once did, and the area itself may see continuing population and economic decline for years to come, does that mean I should expect NO appreciation in home values?

I see both continuing to thrive in the future. 

There business is thriving and an asset to the neighborhood.