I understand the architect aspect but I own my plans.. so I only buy them once.we are not building ultra customs .. although I have in Charleston were I spend 30 to 50k on architect because its what is required in the historic district but other than that 1500 to 2500 to buy stock plans.. pretty simple. 

Avoid anyone with sex charges or with anything violent in their criminal records....no matter how long ago they assaulted someone or with drug charges. 

Plan for turn overs do not avoid them.

, I have considered pursuing my own home inspector license so that I can avoid this.  

Of course though much easier to diversify in the stock market to avoid this too.

I feel like I'm shouting into a void

Do cosmetic maintiance/upgrades with tenants in place rather than waiting for turn over to paint/improve.If your priority is to avoid turnover you can keep your rent below market.

MI does not have or recognize a Series LLC so if investing in just MI you should know this and be comfortable with this aspect of the Series LLC as it relates to being in MI and investing in MI.

There is a lot to learn, you have to avoid prairie soil, you'll want to stay away from the Coliseum  Plume  (an area that experienced soil contamination) as well as sections of town that have a lot of violence but look like cheap deals (so many out of state investors get really burned). 

@Jim Lamp'l I would avoid the green run area of Virginia Beach and look more around the Ocean Lakes or Salem areas.