There is always risk but in this case the risk is too high.

With low prices, high demand for rental properties, strong potential for appreciation, tax incentives, and renovation opportunities, investors should consider Detroit to diversify their real estate portfolio.

New supply hit all-time highs or very close to it for many cities in the state.

What tools and parts of the website do you find most useful?

We use Microsoft project, jira and excel at work.What you are looking for are project management tools (for google searches).Edit: I am a mechanical engineer-not in construction or real estate.

I'm very apprehensive on using someone who doesn't come highly recommended.

Secondly their quality is really good for the price.

Just a warning, heloc rates are high right now, mine is at 10% but you could find a better deal for a short period realistically. 

Section 8 standards in our area are high (depending on the inspector). 

However - my job is very high paying so I will look to build savings and start making my first purchases.