Understanding the different policies and your risk exposure is properly the most important thing to understand.Understand your deductibles and what is covered with your specific policy (i.e, is sewer back up included, flooding)You can always get an umbrella policy if you want some additional insurance.

Consulting with real estate professionals and financial advisors can provide personalized advice based on your specific situation and market conditions.

The suburbs are great and there are some specific tools to finding up and coming areas in the City.Metro Detroit has what 99% of Real Estate Investors want.

@Susan Franke, I cannot speak specifically to your area, but I will say, there are many houses in Cincinnati (my market) that have at one point or another, converted into a multi-unit house.  

I'm also a local realtor in Houston so feel free to reach out if you specific questions about our market. - Chris Kersey@ckerseyrealestate

@Darian Richardson...the money you're looking for is out there, but it's lender specific and not many DSCR lenders offer it.

Make sure the property aligns with what retailers are actually looking for, or you'll sit with empty spaces for a while, and those vacancy costs will eat into your margins faster than just about anything.

It sounds like it's limited to 2 specific properties?

This has me wondering that perhaps it isn't always about the specific city you choose but more so the experience you build, market, and sell.

Section 8 may be an option as their vouchers are less concerned with specific locations in the city.Another point I want to bring up is your equity position.