Note: I'll caveat: I believe that other factors should be considered when analyzing the market as well (i.e. economic growth/stability, low crime rate, affordability, etc.)

I also have rentals in Detroit that I get far higher rents with cash paying tenants than I would a section 8 tenant.There are a lot of factors at play and the answer to "why would the government allow our tax dollars to be spent this way?"

@David SamIt depends on a number of factors. 

Your NOI, revenue, location, risk for the business, assets (land and infrastructure mainly), equipment (yurts would be considered business equipment), and more all play a factor.

Detroit is appreciating rapidly, due to many factors, and it still cash flows or at least allows you to operate near break even.

If you’re not factoring in asset management fees and investor returns when calculating ROI, then what seems like a good investment may not be scalable at all.For anyone looking to scale, start by asking yourself: Can my process generate returns that cover passive investors, management expenses, and still leave me with a worthwhile profit? 

Factor in accurate, but worst case scenario numbers.

Another factor I considered is that the role will help me understand RE markets better and be looking at a lot of deals.

Look at the economics / population rates & other driving factors pushing the market into the future. 

What ADR did you use for MTR and how did you derive the MTR ADR (or different what rent and what vacancy factor)?