Aside from the increased rental value, properties that are on water, or have a view of the water, are going to appreciate in value at a higher rate than the others.

@Muriel Hair here's some articles about Detroit increasing over 20% in 2024...https://detroitmi.gov/news/detroit-home-values-increased-ave...https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/detroit-home-prices-amo...https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/20...

However, my portfolio is mostly B2B and the businesses I work with are comfortable paying the nonrefundable fee plus the refundable security deposit. 

Incredible lessons learned on how detailed the city of Bellaire requirements are, working in the floodplain, balancing multiple projects and scaling the business.

One I am still learning, and would love to incorporate into my business. 

Even as a broker there are many sleazy Account Executives that try to win my business with terms or extra compensation.

Quote from @La Toya Flowers Butler: I'm a newbie to real estate investing, looking to learn, cultivate business relationships, and invest!  

Additionally, the rental arbitrage strategy is not investing, its operating a business.... an extremely risky business.

- sounds like your friend's PMC pays this way.If W-2, why isn't your business properly insured to cover him?.

I'm from the Southern, MI area and I am also building my real estate media business, Elicit Real Estate Media Co.