I don't know where the idea of wholesaling came from, or who influenced you to go that direction, but be careful my friend!

I did allow my tenant to sublease and use the unit as a place of business (hes like a social media influencer) but now he has the unit on airbnb which i did not apporve.

You need to be aware of what you're buying seeing it in person.I think you can make some decent money in Detroit because it's becoming revitalized, but you will likely be looking at more of a cash flow play than an appreciation play.The best investors in Detroit are the ones who have the ability to buy into the area because they have the influence to change the area.Dan Gilbert has invested in Detroit, and it's smart for him to do it, because he's literally buying blocks of downtown area, and actually buying his own security force (basically to double a police force) to monitor and control the crime in the areas he buys.If you are just buying one house in an area, you better go check it out.  

I know the business isn't easy and I know I have a hell of a lot to learn but hopefully with the influence of other investors and maybe some help from this site, I can do alright.

Its a great tool for shaping your Google influence.

I will have no sphere of influence, no local knowledge, and lastly no capital.

I am a recent college graduate with a degree in mechanical engineering, largely influenced by the idea that the only way to make a living is to secure a degree and land a job with a good income. 

What might influence it in the future? 

Meanwhile you finish said degree so you can hit the ground running when you have full-time job & moneys.Last thing you want is to be influenced by a deal gone bad and have it negatively impact your education - which will be there lifelong and no one can take away.

As much as agents can "influence" a purchase, the buyers ultimately decide and usually could care less if their agent makes 2.5, 3, 4, etc %.