I added value to the property by focusing on key renovations that aligned with the tastes of Hamptons buyers.

All complimented with Amazon fulfillment centers, google, and more tech manufacturing jobs.The bad reputation of “Detroit” comes from OOS investors wanting sub $40,000, D class properties in poor condition, because they pencil out to 2-3% deals on paper.

I've owned and continue to own both, and there is no way someone can tell me with a straight face they spend less time getting a lender, giving them 80 documents, clarifying documents, talking to a seller, signing contracts, hiring a property manager (or managing yourself), bookkeeping, managing repairs, insurance and hoa setup, sending the lender more documents vs. vetting a sponsor and wiring money.I'm have very good luck with my rentals and I spend very little of my life on them, but that very little is STILL 5-10X what I spend on passive investments.One missed payment or eviction is added stress; you don't even hear about this as a passive investor.

Adding the ex to the title could trigger gift tax implications, so keeping it simple is best.

Note that legal and transfer costs are not deductible but can be added to your cost basis.

You can also find real estate investing groups through meetup.com, Facebook, or a Google search.

The consistent population and job growth are driving real estate values along with many companies choosing to move and develop here like Intel, Amazon, Google, Meta, etc.

It is possible that over time, Google ranking metrics recognize the uniqueness of your key words, and you move up in the rankings organically (without a cost to you), so that you can be found easily on Google searches for your location.  

That might include things like adding units, converting commercial space to residential, or finding ways to boost income (like adding parking).The key is recognizing opportunities while walking the property, and that takes experience.

(now, in my later years, I'm much more cash flow oriented - although I do still reserve a certain amount of capital for "value added" or intermediate term appreciation type investments).