You will be surprised where plain ole grit will take you. 

EDUCATE YOURSELF - yes, it will take time, but will lead to a selection that better meets your expectations & avoids potentially costly surprises!

FollowingI've been surprised (disappointed?)

As a first-time investor, you might find it easier to start with properties built after 1975, as building codes improved significantly around this time, particularly regarding wiring and plumbing, which can reduce the number of surprises and costly repairs.

Maybe you run into surprises during the remodel and blow the renovation budget.

Most know to make those private but not all do and you would be surprised what shows up on those.The bottom line is dig, dig, dig.

People look to Detroit for cash flow, and you can definitely find it there, but the median price has also doubled in the last 5 years.I would not be surprised to see it double again in the coming 5+ years too.

I've tried everything and done everything "right" according to what everyone says (professional photos, changing rates, premier host, updating listing frequently)...well this was a surprise..."

For instance, I would be surprised if she hadn't been late on rent before this.

I was surprised by that because they read like they are 100% AI.