@Larry Fried Hi Larry, I'm looking to buy something that might require some surface level work (ie. new paint job, new countertops, etc...) but nothing too crazy like foundation or new roofing.

I think this is a great time due to the shifting market and deals that maybe surfacing soon! 

I've included any negatives I've been able to surface in parentheses above.I'm curious about any major positives / negatives about these markets I might be missing - high crime, new employers, high poverty levels, etc.

3/1 new roof, water heater and drainage as of spring 2015.  

Hi Guys,I have found a property that appears on the surface to be a cherry deal!

But this tenant could cause me trouble....The kind of trouble that could be more costly than it appears on the surface.

On the surface it needs 3 rooms painted and thats it.

From the wonderful manual and equally painful bootcamp on this subject that I attended:If you disturb more than 6 sq. feet insideor 20 sq. feet outsideof painted surface, you are subject to the work practices requirements.

However, the surface finish scratched badly after a year & began to crack at the stress points around the sink.If you go with granite don't get any fancy edges as it will chip along the sharper edge profiles.good luck

I know you are in MI where it is colder than TX, but looks for a harder surface in rentals has been king for me to cut down on long term expenses.