U have to understand the mind set of many people in these markets THEY PREFER to rent they dont want to own.. its not like someone on the Coasts in high priced markets where they have seen folk get wealthy just owning a few homes. and your not adding in Property tax and maintenance.. folks that are/were renters just dont have the same mind set when it comes to taking care of the property or the cash to do so.But until you try it and actually talk with those in the market there is no way of knowing that many of these folks simply prefer to be renters..

The fact that you think the tenant is a pain has nothing to do with how you maintain the property, you could be creating legal and maintenance problems for yourself by not taking action. 

The important things to consider about HOA fees is that they usually include some utilities: Water/Sewer, Trash, sometimes shared amenities like gym, clubhouse, pool, and they are saving you the time and headache for property maintenance: lawn care, tree timing, roof, siding, etc.

Common fees will include a set-up fee, a leasing fee for each turnover or a lease renewal fee, marking up maintenance, retaining late fees, and more.

We were able to buy low in a good neighborhood since the home was in need of some work, mainly needing cosmetic work and some deferred maintenance.

@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?

Marketing, screening, collecting rent, unpaid rent, maintenance, capex, insurance, lawn care, vacancies, turnover costs, inspections, and so much more. 

Now I agree the 4 will cash flow better than one will but I also look at it from risk of 4 properties will have higher maintenance costs and lower priced properties tend not to appreciate as well as a higher value assetI am also in it for long game and managing one is easier than 4

@Ethan Slater here's some info we hope you find useful: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?

There are several things to fear money loss on a bad investment, government involvement in RE, bad tenants that cost time and money, hidden maintenance issues and/or land issues and the list can go on.Today, I don't fear money loss or tenants,  the big unknown is how much the government wants to get involved in either taxes or landlord/tenant issues.