Lower property taxes, affordable housing compared to LA (CA buyers are usually cash buyers because what they net from their smaller home in CA can get them a bigger home here, often covered by what they net from their CA sale), allergies (smog), and politics. 

Would be great to have more to compare with what I already have quotes from. 

., major systems like plumbing/electrical)Full Gut/Studs Down: $85-$120 per sq. ft.Luxury Finishes: $150+ per sq. ft.For ARV (After Repair Value), you’re absolutely right—it’s all about comparable sales ("comps").

When I say i've never had this issue, I mean- Even in the D class neighborhoods i've owned properties in, i've never dealt with vacant apartments for this amount of time.If you're comparing the 40 unit building next door to mine with security, it's sort of like comparing apples to oranges.

@Philip Beckwith typically in Michigan, you can only do a tax appeal in February.The instructions will be on the back of your winter tax bill.You will need to have great comparables to challenge the City Assessor's valuation.

To rent the home, I would lose about $2,500 per month (based on comparable rents in my area, property management fees, etc).Both options loose the same amount by roughly 2 years, and by this time, I still will not have built up much more equity in the home to make selling it a break even unless there is price appreciation by then.My dilemma is this: I speculate that my home will not appreciate much in the next 3-5 years due to the rapid pace of development in the surrounding area.In 5-10+ years, maybe, but by then I'll have bled $150,000 - $300,000.I have thought about this a lot and feel that I mar'-too close to the problem to see the best solution.

Water issues are the most common. 

Be certain you've fully evaluated your cash flow by doing a cash flow analysis.I leave it to you to confirm you've taken in consideration the following potential costs: CapEx, maintenance, property management, water, sewer, trash, vacancy, turnover, taxes, insurance, etc.

I agree with others that not all the companies are created equally and I would take the time out to compare them.  

What is the interest rate on borrowing compared to the rate you are earning, then take into consideration the tax consequences.