As far as Detroit goes, since I grew up there and abouts, i dont have any desire.

Those people can attest that the opportunity cost of sitting on the sidelines has been costly.Yes, there are still deals to be had, keep doing your research, be consistent and try to get in the game with a deal that meets YOUR desired risk/return criteria, while diligently protecting the downside through adequate cash reserves, conservative underwriting and the ability to hold long term. 

But, my desires are to add doors to my portfolio.  

You're You're likely missing something related to the properties being comparable...maybe a different neighborhood, desirability, etc.  

Never paid 5 cents in interest, which has actually led two of the cash back cards I had to have to be cancelled since they essentially took away the cash back (probably because I wasn't a very desirable customer). 3.

Simply put, the best time to buy a rental, in my experience, is when it is the best deal to meet your personal investment goals (cash flow, desired location for appreciation, target price, etc).   

Beechmont and the Southern Pky area are desirable and up and coming (maybe already here and past) but much of that area has lots of drugs and seems to be trending downward.  

The goal is to find a distressed or mix-use property in a desirable neighborhood that we can rehab. 

@Justin Greene There are asset-based products from commercial and portfolio lenders out there designed for investors with high DTI, the desire to vest in a LLC, 10 + mortgages, unique scenarios, etc etc.

Great story of what desire, perseverance, and work ethic can do.