The key is understanding the nuances of the program and making sure your property aligns with their inspection standards.In Detroit specifically, Section 8 tends to work best in C and C+ neighborhoods.

There can always be a situation specific to you where your intent was to hold but something cause you to change that. 

Are there specific market indicators or property traits I should be paying attention to?

However, you have to invest in specific communities where they are encouraging development.

@David Oh you can either offer a bonus based upon specific KPIs or based upon profitability.

If you are looking for Detroit-specific help, @Drew Sygit would be a good resource.

Improved the property from its original state What was the outcome?

You can find something in Durham and parts of Raleigh, specifically zips 27610, 27603, and parts of 27604 that would meet your criteria, however generally speaking most of the inventory that would fit what you are looking for in Raleigh or Durham would likely be in neighborhoods that I personally wouldn't want to invest in, C- to D type neighborhoods.

What was the outcome?

Check Furnished Finder, Zillow, as well as AirBnb and VRBO (30+ day stays) to see what sort of competition is in that specific market.