With picture and video messaging and even apps like google duo and google keep, it is very easy to get projects completed and minimize or eliminate the requirement for your presence.

You can buy turnkey properties in the midwest, and some of the north east states have a turnkey presence now.If you are mailing directly to sellers you can probably find good deals in your own back yard.Regarding Detroit it sounds like unless your equipped to handle the tenants and know the area intimately you're better served turning 360 degrees and walking way (that is an old joke that I still think is funny).Best of luck,Pete

So did a more... muscular... relative of mine repeated the same thing to them in my presence.

Us with a TON of online presence (and with ZERO marketing btw), ...or the guy from Joe buys houses that does not exist  on the net?

To get one, you typically have a testing outfit come to the house and test for the presence of mold; when they find it, you have a licensed mold remediator come out and write a scope of work (this is an official - and expensive - document); then they come out and do the actual remediation work; then they test again and either issue the certificate or repeat the remediation process.

I understand there is huge military presence, but what else do you have with respect to major employers who can provide citizens with livable wages?

A brokerage with a good local presence can be a real asset when starting out. 

That said, I think the police have been making their presence known quite a bit more in those sketchier blocks. 

Due to the government presence, your investment is incredibly secure compared to other cities and as a result, cap rates and cash flow will be lower. 

Who is building out the development web presence.