I'm not oblivious to the fact that this will not happen overnight, but rather take years to build properly.

Get a look at their portfolio and see how their work looks.It's worth paying someone to do the job properly.

I've found the biggest factor is proper pricing.

I claim the income under schedule E. 

@Lynette E.

With properly served notice your tenant should be out in 5-6 weeks.

It really hit on something that I know I need to do but put off and never get done, which is to put proper systems in place.

Its not cheap to have a property demoed in Detroit, Ex.  2100 sf , two story, between two existing homes will cost approx. 13k, without asbestos and lead remediation - it will take 60-90 days to get utilities terminated, and proper permits issued.

@Dale E.

And it's not in the city proper, it's near the Eastern waterfront with access to private airports, marinas, and a golf course.