I did some digging using the US Census Statistics, median home sales prices as recorded by the MLS (kept in a table by the Salt Lake Trib), and some inflation calculators.

It's a made-up statistic.

Real estate isn't an assembly line, it is not a statistically valid process, it is not a liquid asset or market.

From what I hear, these are some of the worst neighborhoods in Detroit (per crime rate, income statistics). 

city-data.com:  This has an amazing amount of detailed statistics about every city I've thrown at it. 

Aside from the normal inspections (wood infestation, foundation, roof, etc) I also like to look at comparable rents in as small of a radius to be statistically significant to ensure when these tenants move out you'll be able to get about the same if not more rent. 

@Darcy Maiangowi, sorry, but I'm never impressed with (similar) fake "seller credit" mumbo jumbo which artificially inflates documented sale prices, leading to skewed statistics, open to abuse! 

See also https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/51/topics/166945-statistics-on-sdira-lending-and-owning-one-county-in-ncThis is/was primary research for Wake county, done by me... based on my interest in lending and buying in my SDIRA

Several years ago, title companies began to only offer CLTA policies of title insurance to private parties due to the title statistics that demonstrate; private party claims are disproportionate to the revenues generated by private parties transactions.

Geof, While there has been an uptick in sales statistics, I think dramatic increase is over stating it for this area.Sophie, unfortunately you are in a situation where the people who feel badly for you or want to take some of your money don't want to give it to you straight.I have just seen this scam so much.