Considering your current W2 income, it's important to evaluate the risks.

They work well in areas with steady rental demand like suburban neighborhoods or cities with strong job markets​​.Considerations: Your property management needs will be lower, but rents may rise more slowly over time compared to short-term options.Short-Term Rentals: High Risk, High RewardAdvantages: Short-term rentals can generate significantly higher nightly rates, especially in vacation destinations.

Based on your description, it sounds like you would violate the self-dealing rule and could put your SDIRA at risk. 

.✅ Lower Vacancy Risk – Losing one tenant doesn’t mean losing all your cash flow.✅ More Affordable for Renters – Competitive pricing attracts a steady stream of demand.✅ Built-In Community = Lower Turnover – Tenants stay longer when they feel connected.✅ Allows You to House Hack a Single-Family Home – No need to compete for pricey duplexes and triplexes!

That means creating a clear budget, forecasting cash flow, and maintaining a detailed financial model that tracks both the current and future performance of your portfolio.Tax Optimization & Risk ManagementBeyond financial clarity, strategic tax planning and risk management are essential to safeguard and grow your real estate investments.

Any suggestions on how to get started, some risks to be aware of?

Detroit offers solid cash flow potential, a relatively low barrier to entry, and the market fundamentals are improving with a growing population and significant investments in the city.Since you’re based in upstate NY, Detroit is also a quick and easy flight, making it easier to visit and get a feel for the market if you’re considering out-of-state investing.

So while some opportunities show good potential always take into consideration the downside possibilities.

Here is the BEST way to develop an understanding of the risks and rewards of redeveloping your propertyBEST - Hire a CRE - Counselor of Real Estate to do a complete market analysis.  

And hard in your own business, again very possible but often a lot of risk and work.