That’s what I see  So thats the contradiction is that. and thats the red flag for me....they live a debt free life but have a car payment.

What red flags should I look for that would lead me to see a property that has been sitting as an “unwise” investment

Just some food for thought on your hunt for the Red October.Are you looking hire an ttorney To teach you creative strategies And recommend Creative strategies  to you, or are you looking for a chain dog to implement your creative strategies?

If they are not, that's a red flag.     

The more I’m thinking about this the more red flags I’m thinking of.

There will be red flags that jump out at you...obvious drugs, poor/no work history, etc3.

Over the last several years casinos have went up, Ford Field (Lions) and Comerica Park (Tigers) were erected and people who loved the city began brainstorming how to revive it.More recently, Little Ceaser's Arena (new home of Pistons and Red Wings) construction started and is due to open Sept this year.

We have ask for a mutual release and return of our $2,000 earnest money due to the fact we no longer feel it is a safe area because of the break in and there have been a few other red flags along the way.   

Moving in and out of the current home could cause red flags for the lender.

However, with 25 years of experience in RE Syndications, there are several major red flags I look out for:High Cash Flow.Aggressive Marketing.Lack of 100% Transparency in PPM and Marketing Material.Whenever cash flows exceed market expectations, I question the sustainability of such returns.