Here's the thing about ALE and similar agencies: they can be a goldmine, but you need to adjust your approach to meet their demand sweet spot.

I remember back when I was ramping up my own rental portfolio in those early-2000s San Diego days, I learned the hard way that ignoring “little” costs..like that termite treatment or the property manager’s onboarding fee..can turn what looked like a sweet deal into something that barely breaks even.Let’s say you pick up a property in one of those under-the-radar neighborhoods in Omaha or maybe on the south side of Chicago..markets I’ve seen a few colleagues dabbling in lately..you’ve got to be ready to get real about the numbers.

I've heard mixed reviews on it but we don't prefer to deal with Section 8 here, it's an arduous process.

We see a lot of success in the suburbs:Purchase: $80k-$130kRent: $1100-$1500 (no rent control in MI)1% rule: .9%-1.4% rule dealsCoc ROI: 5-12%Total ROI: 20-40%Cash flow: $50-$250/door (after all expenses and budgeting for maint, capex, vacancy)Appreciation: 3-10%+ (has been double digit for a decade)Location: C+, B-These numbers are based on the “sweet spot” in Metro Detroit.

I helped the owner structure the seller finance and off-market offer to be closed more easily (more accessible to the buyer) through mixed financing and a lower price.

It will also depend on how your asset allocation is, I like to keep mine mixed between real estate and the stock market.

Look for mixed-use properties with a Main Street vibe or location.

It’s a mix of strategy, management, and a little bit of chaos, especially when dealing with unruly tenants or trying to balance your budget while upgrading properties.

Though I would mix with antifreeze if the heat is off and your winters involve freezing.

These plans call for six blocks, with buildings totaling 2.5 million mixed-use square feet, and a renovated 14.2 acres of open space with brand-new amenities and improved access.