Sometimes, I see investors lean into property managers who know the landscape and can “drive for dollars” around the block.

Also Gary Swank brought up a great point about how the area can change drastically block by block, even on the same street.

Urban areas can definitely be tough to gauge from a google maps search because environments are street by street, block by block.  

Basically, it was a 1980s block shell with a 2024 home inside, when we were finished.

On top of that, the rent-to-price ratios in Detroit often outperform other markets, which can mean solid cash flow alongside appreciation potential as the city continues to grow.The key with Detroit is understanding the nuances of the market—it has a large footprint, and neighborhoods can vary drastically, even block by block.

A sub S election will probably block the free stepped up basis benefit though.

I'd love to hear your take on the block.

This has pluses and minuses.If your property is bulletproof such as no framing - cinder block construction, cement floors, gloss white paint slapped on the walls and a cheap window mount AC, then you are in a prime position to make money with S8. 

If I have to use every dollar I have access to and drain my life savings dry, so be it.

This STR would also be a place for us to block dates off for ourselves between work contracts (if we want to), which adds a slightly more personal investment in this one.