Since there's plenty on the BP posts warning investors about Detroit, I thought it would be right to share a few tips for investors still curious or optimistic about the Detroit market.1) First, it's overwhelming how every block is completely different from the next, and just because you spot a good deal on one block doesn't mean that the next block or parallel streets carry the same energy.2) Secondly, you have to think placemaking instead of spot investing due to the excessive vacancies and blight.

And, you got exactly my concern about condo and class C neighborhood: too many problems with tenants, which may drain so much of my energy, mentally and physically. 

If you are visiting the job regularly anyway, would make no sense in wasting $15 apiece since I can just do an online deposit from my phone of your check.This subject really applies to out of state investors and creating an efficient way to pay people from afar.

might be looking shortly for financing on 20 duplexes in TX. thoughts about most efficient, cost effective structure??

But there's other initial time expenditures such as getting the listing up and running, etc.After that, you'll have a little bit of a learning curve while you figure out the most efficient ways to communicate with the guests, but once you hit a pattern with that, there are tools you can begin using to automate the repetitive parts (and after awhile, a lot of it gets repetitive!).  

As of today I will start accruing business expenses and since I am starting small I want to be sure my money is used efficiently.

Use your energy and resources on the important things.Best of luck and happy investing!

Investing so much in locks is not the smart way to go, but I do have a master key system in all my units right now and I can tell you that it saves me a lot of time and energy. 

Hmmm...one front house 3/2 with apparent garage converted into two efficiencies and one 1/1.

Personally I would rather stay with the momentum and invest in real estate (VNQ) and maybe short something that is under performing like energy or commodities.