Getting started in Detroit

[Anh Nguyen]

Hi! Looking to get into my first investment property and I've been eyeing Cleveland and Detroit. For Detroit, I've been exploring the following neighborhoods:

Warren 
Warrendale
Islandview
Aviation Sub
East English Village
Morningside
Jefferson Chalmers/Creekside
Martin Park
Bagley
University District

Would anyone recommend against any of these? I know they change block to block but I am generally looking at the nicer part of the area at C class duplexes under $120k.

I am also trying to analyze deals and am wondering if these 2 properties are a good deal

https://www.realtor.com/reales...

https://www.realtor.com/reales...

I appreciate your help in advance and hope to connect with some of you!

[Nathan Gesner]

For Cleveland you'll want to refer to @James Wise of Holton-Wise Property Group. Their website clearly explains each neighborhood. Lots of resources for investors.

For Detroit, look up @Drew Sygit of Logical Property Management.

[Drew Sygit]

@Anh Nguyen 

You might want to follow the "Deep Dive" series we're doing on our BiggerPockets blog about Metro Detroit cities, City of Detroit Neighborhoods and comparing Metro Detroit to other hotspots investors usually consider:

https://www.biggerpockets.com/...
(BP search feature can be problematic, so we’ve also added links @ our website under View Cities & Neighborhoods We Service)

Please send us any feedback via email, as we do not use the DM feature here.

@Nathan Gesner thanks for the mention!

[Anh Nguyen]

@Nathan Gesner Thanks for the recommendation!

@Drew Sygit I saw this series before for Hazel Park but didnt know how to access the other articles so thanks a lot!

[Josie Brown]

Hi Anh! There are a lot of great areas in Detroit to invest in. I'd be happy to chat with you in more detail and provide you with advice for any areas or properties you are interested in.

[Eric Friday]

@Anh Nguyen I'm born and raised in Detroit, and majority of my investing has been in the neighborhoods you listed. I'd be happy to assist you if you want a second set of eyes on a potential deal.

[Leroy K. Williams]

Hi Anh,

Detroit is in a state of development flux, things are changing fast and very intentionally.  Many of the neighborhoods you mentioned are right in the path of development progress which means there is a lot of new investment aimed there.  I would say the top 5 of those you mentioned are 1. University District (6 mile/ Livernois corridor), 2. Jefferson/ Chalmers 3. East English Village (I would include West Village in this) 4. Aviation Sub (not too many duplexes in this neighborhood however on the border there are but those border areas don't have the same charm or appeal 5. Island view

Because the entry cost in Detroit is so low I would say that it will feel very little effect in a housing recession when it comes to values. I believe that the development drive will keep pressing values up. 

[Travis Biziorek]

Anh, happy to help if I can.

I built a 12-door rental portfolio in Detroit in 2 years and learned every possible lesson along the way. Overall it's been fantastic for me and my family but you have to REALLY do your diligence or work with someone trustworthy.

[Tim Bee]

Detroit is the 5th most violent crime cities of it's size in ALL of America.  Be ware!

[Drew Sygit]

@Anh Nguyen You'll find all the Deep Dive Series in the following link https://www.biggerpockets.com/...

[Bud Gaffney]

Real Property Management franchises are great. 

[Leroy K. Williams]

If anyone is telling you not to invest in Detroit, it's because they are trying to keep it all to themselves.  

[Jamiel Strickland]

@Anh Nguyen You have a great list of places to look into but even those have very different parts. For example Warrendale and University District are completely two different areas. Some of the places their aren't many duplexes in that subdivision like aviation for example, its mostly single family homes there. Best way to make money in Detroit is to invest in the best areas that aren't as “commercial" as a Bagley or University District.

[Joe Hammel]

@Anh Nguyen

Looks like you’re on the right track