We took a break raising our kids and then I got much more into REI starting in 2015.

I find that putting a utility cap in the lease agreement they sign and calling their attention to it really helps make them more aware that they'll have to pay for excess usage so, fortunately, I haven't had to actually bill anyone yet, but the language is there if I needed to. 

Maybe also consider if they are "good people" that work in the community and just want a safe place to raise their family. 

However, there’s a catch—I’m looking to partner with an investor to help provide the capital needed to complete the deal (would need to raise around $200,000-500,000).

My payment after was 3461 rents 6350(with new tenants coming in I raised rents in apts 2 and 3 to 1800/1850 respectively.  

Last year January MN enacted the biggest # of changes all were added details and raised the bar of requirement for Landlords, including some specifically detailing how a listing must be detailed.

Detroit is a great city to invest in one just has to be aware that is is a block by block city and to be careful

Without accounting for management fees (I have not yet decided if I will try to self manage), and with planning to raise rents to typical market of $825 for each of the smaller units, and $1200 for the larger unit, does this seem like a worthy first investment? 

No one holds absolute truth, and there’s always room to expand our perspective through the exchange of experiences.I am fully aware of the Costa del Sol’s significance as an economic engine for the region and as one of the most globally relevant destinations.

I have found that just being aware of how much you spend on each expense category leads to a better savings rate.