Money is the key to success in my opinion.

Have him separate labor and materials to check this.With flooring, I've had a lot of success going straight to flooring boxstores and they will hold their subs accountable for reasonable pricing and save you headache.  

I understand that for this to have the opportunity to be successful, I would need to make sure this didn't break any lease agreement, but aside from that I'm interested in the details. 

Be successful on those create some capital and then start the BRRR strategy. 

Any tips for success for investing in the west side of Detroit's real estate market (especially lists of due diligence questions to ask before purchasing duplexes there)?

Congratulations on the success you have had with your 4 rental properties!

After that you will have two assets assuming your flip was successful. 

It has been extremely successful for me.

I know a number of other people who have very good success with profitable vacation rentals here.

In the Los Angeles market, I'm still having success buying homes off the MLS (often over asking) by adding REAL value through additional square footage or starting from scratch by knocking an existing property down to build a bigger and better one.