@Josue RamosRecommend you first figure out the property Class you want to invest in, THEN figure out the corresponding location to invest in.If you apply Class A assumptions to a Class B or C purchase, your expectations won’t be met and it may be a financial disaster.So, when investing in areas they don’t really know, investors should research the different property Class submarkets.

I have seen some properties on MLS that I contact my realtor and they may know right away the reason it isn't selling from showing it previously, or they can review the realtor comments that aren't viewable by the public on MLS.Other potential reasons I have seen properties listed on MLS for a long time. 1) Some investors may not be comfortable inheriting existing tenants.2) It may be it is a class C neighborhood. 3) Structural issues.

You might even want to setup a C-Corp (for tax and liability reasons as well) to manage the business with the guests and pay rent to your LLC. 

I actually sold a Class C a few months ago - I saw the writing on the wall after one Class C, very likely no capital gains after all my passive losses.

How do you know if a neighborhood is C class as an out of state investor? 

@Joe Gettler, I don't have great data b/c she just helped them for a couple of months, but I think it's just under $4K a month for a nice 2 bedroom in a good location.

C

@Rae Chris Ann Arbor is pretty expensive, so difficult to find cashflowing rentals.You may want to look in Ypsilanti - if you want to stay in your area.Otherwise, Metro Detroit offers a LOT of options.Read our copy & paste below for some helpful info:---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Recommend you first figure out the property Class you want to invest in, THEN figure out the corresponding location to invest in.Property Class will typically dictate the Class of tenant you get, which greatly IMPACTS rental income stability and property maintenance/damage by tenants.If you apply Class A assumptions to a Class B or C purchase, your expectations won’t be met and it may be a financial disaster.If you buy/renovate a property in Class D area to Class A standards, what quality of tenant will you get?

Think on it, how much does $250mnth buy for a furnace, a/c, water heater, carpets, really any reno at all?

This is the simplest method, but it also means your tenants are more likely to abuse the utilities by leaving windows open with the heat or A/C running, leaving lights on, ignoring the toilet that constantly flushes on its own, etc.3.