These still cash flow nicely with rents anywhere from $800-$900/mo and, if you do a ton of research and buy in smart locations, they will appreciate nicely as Detroit continues to gain steam.

My question is; What are some good "smart thermostat" recommendations?

Brew City FB Group is a great source for contractors.BTW here is a good story: the choice of lender matters more than most people think and not for the interest rate.

@Michael Ablan may the gods favor the choice of appraiser :)  

Ecuador is currently one of my top choices so If you could get back to me at your earliest convenience on the mortgage question that would be great! 

@Dimitri PaspalarisWithout providing advice on your fund choices, I would say the idea of allocating different portions of your discretionary income in a diversified manner is a great idea.The same way you would diversify a market investment portfolio or diversify a real estate investment portfolio, I always recommend people diversify their “wealth portfolio”.Wishing you all the best in achieving your financial goals!

What else can I do to protect myself in case somebody want to play smart with the law?

That looks like 2 separate SFRs on the same lot to me, but i had a little trouble opening a couple of the photos.You should make sure that its zoned and permitted appropriately.It wouldn't be considered multifamily in my area, I believe.Your lender would have final say on the financing choices I'd think. 

Once your walls are open it will be easy and smart to redo all your lines.

if there are actual lawsuits pending between owners and HOA then you wont be able to get title insurance and you wont be able to sell it for top dollar most likely.selling it though if you can get top dollar is best U get the 250k tax free.. talk to an accountant before you turn it into a rental.. if you cant get title insurance you may have no choice though..