I guess it's just too many factors to consider and it easy to get overwhelmed and cannot get accurate info and estimation when I conduct analysis (ex. property tax rate, insurance, maintenance fee, rent, repair, closing cost, etc.) 

I can’t diagnose your issue from the pics (though it seems repointing needed) I can say that there are contractors in this area who will immediately jump to the $35k+ solutions when they see deferred maintenance on these types of foundations.

I’m talking about getting thorough with expense estimates, factoring in property taxes, insurance, and a cushion for maintenance.

Marketing, screening, collecting rent, unpaid rent, maintenance, capex, insurance, lawn care, vacancies, turnover costs, inspections, and so much more. 

Beyond the Monthly Management, Placement & Maintenance fees, all other fees in our contract are IF EVENT -> THEN fees.

As you progress, maintaining a clear line of communication with your team, especially your property manager, will allow you to stay ahead of maintenance issues and tenant needs, keeping your operations smooth and your tenants happy.If you haven't done so already, consider outlining your goals and investment criteria with a property manager early on.

We were able to buy low in a good neighborhood since the home was in need of some work, mainly needing cosmetic work and some deferred maintenance.

There are several things to fear money loss on a bad investment, government involvement in RE, bad tenants that cost time and money, hidden maintenance issues and/or land issues and the list can go on.Today, I don't fear money loss or tenants,  the big unknown is how much the government wants to get involved in either taxes or landlord/tenant issues.

@Rae Chris Ann Arbor is pretty expensive, so difficult to find cashflowing rentals.You may want to look in Ypsilanti - if you want to stay in your area.Otherwise, Metro Detroit offers a LOT of options.Read our copy & paste below for some helpful info:---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Recommend you first figure out the property Class you want to invest in, THEN figure out the corresponding location to invest in.Property Class will typically dictate the Class of tenant you get, which greatly IMPACTS rental income stability and property maintenance/damage by tenants.If you apply Class A assumptions to a Class B or C purchase, your expectations won’t be met and it may be a financial disaster.If you buy/renovate a property in Class D area to Class A standards, what quality of tenant will you get?

@Ethan Slater here's some info we hope you find useful:Recommend you first figure out the property Class you want to invest in, THEN figure out the corresponding location to invest in.Property Class will typically dictate the Class of tenant you get, which greatly IMPACTS rental income stability and property maintenance/damage by tenants.If you apply Class A assumptions to a Class B or C purchase, your expectations won’t be met and it may be a financial disaster.If you buy/renovate a property in Class D area to Class A standards, what quality of tenant will you get?