Where I diverge is that there are numerous factors that can push up prices beyond just plain old affordability or law of large numbers1) Greater shift into real estate related investments by investors, which is already happening.

I personally haven't tried your strategy but I have financed and re financed numerous properties.

She cuts corners in other areas as well - She is in default on her lease on several of the terms (the only tenant with no deposit, stores numerous items large & small in the shared basement without paying rent and she causes problems with the neighbors (more than any of the other tenants.)

I agree that the ingredients implicit in Detroit's fall are too numerous to consider and are only hypothesis at best.

And of course the DTC, DTCC and Cede and Co. now own 98%+ of North American mortgages after their numerous staged 'crashes' in the last century plus... but I digress.)"

Hi Mike,I'm investing in those areas and have looked at numerous houses.

The market reflects numerous parameters.  

the deal that turned the corner in the way you attacked future projects. it doesn’t have to necessarily be the most profitable one but perhaps teaches a valuable lesson.ill start. i was calling about a property in a desired location that as i found out during the call had a horrible cap rate, was overpriced and had numerous issues with the city. just before i was about to hang up i asked if he had any other investment properties in the area. and boom, that’s where i first heard about my second and best deal to date. now i never end a call without those simple words.

I sent them numerous email to ask some questions before I purchase but I have never heard back from them, which raised a bit of concern ! 

Long story short, C. went off the deep end, sent numerous whiny and/or mean text messages, and threatened me with legal action, when I was actually being generous, because by law I could have given her only 10 days' notice.