Let's talk about markets first:I grew up in upstate NY and my parents still live and there are a few things that are true of both this market and Detroit:No one wants to live there.

Living with parents in Chicago suburbs but moving to Lakeview East (North side Chicago) next month to get a feel for living in the city.

They are willing to offer their parents as co-signers.

A rich parent or sibling that believes in your RE vision. 

As a result, I'm finding it incredibly challenging to establish credit or secure traditional sources of income.Currently, my kids and I are living with my parents in Sigourney, having moved there last June.

Personally, I think even at our forever home we would like to have an in-laws suite, separated basement, or an ADU of some sort to house our parents. 

What I'm trying to understanding better is creative financing, analyzing the surrounding markets, making connections, and many of the other industry-specific concepts that can really only be learned through real-life experience.The idea of REI came about between myself and my friends because one of them has access to a large amount of capital that he received from his parents as a gift.

My parents were self employed their entire lives.

. - My parents used to say the same things, I ignored them and now I'm a millionaire.

Never been believe it or not lolI guess I'll have to keep 1 unit empty just for us hahahahaZoning is commercial (Duplex qualifies for this).Initially wanted to change back to residential because we could get higher exit dollar due to area if can change to residential (Got comps in the $130,000 all day, take $10,000 - $15,000 off for main road and it's a $115,000 property)We could have done this as this property was residential long time ago but when it comes to the city on anything, I prefer staying away.Incompetent delay after delay so best is to just keep things the way they are.Plus, single parents would love a nice 1 bed, 1 bath duplex in the Washington Local district so it will work well.Thanks mate