Unfortunately - my current lot for my primary is 1 acre and VERY sloped, and close to a water source (creek), so the county has not even allowed me to permit my downstairs finished basement without an extremely costly renovation to our septic (over $60,000, and that doesn't count demo'ing and replacing our driveway to get to the existing tank and leachfield), and even if I could permit it, it would essentially need to be a treehouse in the redwoods due to the slope (not a bad idea though, I would actually love a livable treehouse on this lot!

Compare it to the area you grew up in.

I know some might disagree.The challenge is if someone applies and meets all your criteria and you reject them, I would hate for you to end up in some legal hot water.

The rent-to-price ratios are strong, property values remain relatively affordable compared to many other cities, and the city has been seeing real economic and population growth.I invest in Detroit myself and have built a portfolio of 12 doors there.

Are there any specific areas that are reasonably priced compared to the cities? 

And not to mention no stock matches the dividend rate one can get in real estate with such low risk/volatility. 20yrs ownership, oh-yeah, cash-flow on renting it would be HUGE now so it's easily comparable to a 20%+ monthly dividend, if not more.

The median home price in Milwaukee went up 8.2% in 2024 - and I had to do nothing but wait, compared to a 4 month major construction job.So yeah: BRR(hold) and maybe refinace at some point if/when rates get lower

A lot more important compared to newer construction homes where you don't have to deal with certain things when it comes to either of those.Many other nuances but those are just a few that come to mind.

The new appraisal just doesn’t make sense, especially when compared to the first one.

Kathy, check out Anchor Loans as a comparable.