That said, even with photos, comping homes in Detroit proper is extremely difficult.

Sadly these tend to be some of the most difficult properties to sell. 

However, you will find it difficult being that both of you are W-2 with your main activity to produce income being outside the real estate profession.

Real estate is capital intensive; so, that makes it more difficult to scale (despite leverage). 

Quote from @Zachary Deal: One thing to keep in mind if you are doing this is that you are likely to create "functional obsolescence" which could mean you are not able to get a new loan against your property and it can be difficult to resell as well. 

The taxes can make things difficult, but there are some things you can do to minimize their impact.  

That being said, it's very difficult to get rents to even cover PITI payments at 80% loan-to-value in Utah these days. 

@Cathy Fitzwilliam Initial cashflow is not easy in San Diego, the higher rates make it that much more difficult but it is certainly possible with value add deals.  

It's difficult to find cash flow in these areas.

PadSplit's have been difficult to finance because they are considered modified collateral.