As someone building a sustainable business centered on good will, karma, Realtor referrals, and past client referrals, this was incompatible with my business model, and we no longer offer non-qm loans. 

Detroit was the center of the universe at one time but has not been for a long time.

While population centers with decreasing population like mine also have areas that gentrify as cities change, predicting that gentrification years before it happens with real accuracy is often a fool's errand.One reason why specific predictions get upended has to do with shootings, often tragically random ones.

I have been to one or two that have been high valuable but I find that many seem to be more centered around a "pitch" instead of actually growing your network. 

(Center city) in this case what the properties are selling for and what the average rents are. 

Try Penfedhttps://www.penfed.org/home-equity-center/10-20-home-equity-line-of-credit

I could also do some small things like keeping the pantry stocked etc...Alternatively, since we are talking about a large city, there are several colleges and hospitals in the city center where I have found multi-family opportunities from 2-5 units that would fit a more traditional model if I could get it for the right price (yes I know this is always the major hurdle!

It is located on main road, directly across from a shopping center which has Verizon, govt offices, medical office, restaurant. 

@Kyle Smith The reason I joined BP was because it's an excellent education resource center and I am still in the business like it or not. 

When my clients buy retail centers we go through the leases with a fine tooth comb.