Also look at what used to be our Chinatown; the new hockey arena gifted to the Ilitches is going to be an ugly, deadening monster but when the parking lots become unnecessary, infill there could have economic attraction for others.If you do come to Detroit, stay long enough to walk the area you're interested in, be prepared for a gut rehab, and rehab for weather volatility and hot/cold climate extremes.

thanks, dave.. i got a quote for $1500 labor only. from tear out to finish tiling and grout. i thought that was high. i expected $800 to be honest, that's a 3 day job, including concrete curing. i have done this kind of work and know exactly what's involved. i will follow your advice and talk to mom and pop shop..btw, i have plumbed 10+ houses in the past 4 yrs. i do not agree with you "forget pex". pex is amazing and plumbers are scared of it cause even homewners can use it. the only areas where it's not that good is under pedestal sinks and the vertical runs for the showers (flimsy). pex expands in cold weather, much cheaper, much quicker. i can plumb a 1k sq house with a basement in 3-4 hrs.what's not to love?

As another factor in my choice I do live in wisconsin so we have both extremes in weather.

I work with a lot of clients in TX, and while there are still some economic issues, by and large the state seems to have weathered the downturn pretty well.

Front Door Weather Strip – $75 Pulled away from door and hanging—dog chewedPictures documenting above damages are enclosed.

Wood doors do swell when wet so it may be that painting/sealing the surface of the door as well as adding/replacing weather stripping will help.  

I have been gone from California for almost a year and man I really miss the great weather!

We aren't familiar with the east coast but we are drawn toward the low prices and weather.  

Enough to make money but not so much leverage you can't stay afloat long enough to weather a problem that's more likely to happen.

AZ has much more outdoor activities nearby compare to Chicago and the weather is so much better. 2) The organization we are working with in Kenya is building a rehab center/US base in Phoenix AZ.