By August 2023, I packed up my introverted self, moved to paradise, and two months later—BOOM—homeowner status unlocked.

It's got train stops and checks the boxes for homeowners.

Here are a few stats which should raise an eyebrow about Detroit $1 billion invested in more than 4,600 units of affordable housing over the past five years Job growth with more than 25,000 more Detroiters employed since 2014 A return to investment grade bond status for the first time since 2009Reductions in crime beating national trends, including the fewest homicides in 57 years Successfully hosting the largest ever NFL Draft at 775,000 people over three days In terms of starting out in Real Estate it also makes sense to invest in Detroit considering that the entry costs are low and if you plan to buy and hold, Section 8 makes for a great partner to insure steady rent payments.

Insurance is definitely an issue there, and will continue to be.

If you want to get a clue about places to avoid investing look at states where insurance premiums have jumped or where homes are uninsurable. 

If you can rent it for enough to cover the principal, interest, taxes and insurance and still put money in your pocket, plus cash flow on the property you're purchasing, that would be ideal.

There system has been helpful for someone with no prior experience in the process, from finding properties, lenders, insurance agents, CPA's, attorneys, etc.

Is your DSCR ratio greater than 1-meaning are you cash flowing (according to the lender's criteria of mortgage, property taxes and insurance (and HOA) if applicable).

My biggest conundrum now is I want to be my own GC because even when I play with smaller numbers they’re still out of reach for me to be able to attain this goal and afford the monthly mortgage with taxes and insurance.

Hopefully your lawyer also mentioned insurance- title and hazard.A quitclaim deed transfer can hurt your title chain and title insurance.