All Forum Posts by: Alex K.
Alex K. has started 6 posts and replied 253 times.
Post: Why are my friends so against me investing in Real estate?!

- Specialist
- Southeast Michigan
- Posts 294
- Votes 243
Originally posted by @Michael Lowe:
I’m just starting out.
I’ve been reading like crazy, analyzing deals CONSTANTLY, driving neighborhoods, talking with my real estate agent, meeting with investors currently in my market (and other markets).
But when I talk to my friends and family about investing in Real Estate, it’s always negative and “you can’t” or “you shouldn’t”.
What gives? Why are my friends and family members so against me investing in real estate?!
Any ideas?
And, how do I win them over?
You win them over by your investments and results and keep doing what you’re doing soon you’ll have a new group of friends.
Post: Why Do You Invest in Detroit? (Testimonial Request for BP!)

- Specialist
- Southeast Michigan
- Posts 294
- Votes 243
Originally posted by @Lauren Hogan:
BiggerPockets! I work at BP and I'm working on building a landing page for Detroit. Would anyone be willing to share why you choose to invest in the city? Why is it a great city for investors?
Hello, Detroit is a great place to invest! It is my backyard and I’ve seen it go from a complete dead zone in many areas to all new construction and redevelopment within the past 5-7 years. I remember parts of town in 2010-2012 that were considered war zones and I wouldn’t want my mother or wife to even drive through These areas during daylight hours. Prices were around $500.00-$5,000.00 on Houses. Now those same neighborhoods Which were once the Mac daddies of war zones are going for $100,000-$250,000+ aka Morningside, East English Village, Bagley, Jefferson & Chalmers, North end and many more.
Being in the millennial age group myself I understand That we must focus on the future ahead for our investment strategies and cater to the market we are targeting and the new and upcoming generations.
Many millennials are moving back to the city because it’s the “cool” thing to do!
Detroit is a strong Rental market that is for-sure! We still have many gangsters in the city some aren’t bad and some are just horrible! But it’s nothing like what it once was. The city of Detroit has launched the green light initiative which streams live video directly to the police stations for areas that were war zones. This initiative has reduced crime significantly.
Where are all the trouble makers moving to? They’re moving to C- D+ suburbs outside of the city while the Millennials are pouring in.
Detroit has significantly ramped up demolition of blighted properties and construction of the roads and infrastructure.
The Automakers have doubled down on The innovation, design and production of the new Electronic vehicles and developments.
We have seen many big name companies and corporations come to town such as Microsoft, Google and Waymo.
Detroit was one of the biggest cities in It’s prime and it’s built and setup for production.
Detroit is also one of the main reasons our great country is what it is today. During world war 2 the automakers and the city put their differences aside and brought forth the production of artillery and weaponry. This is why we were able to conquer and defeat enemies as well as outproduce any other country in production of tanks and artillery. Without the Motorcity there’s a good chance we wouldn’t have the freedom and luxuries of The Great United States 🇺🇸. So raise your glass one time for the Motor City!
Detroit also has access to international waters with the port of Detroit.
We all think of Fresh water as a right and although this may be the case in present times there are many studies that show something else. Many major us cities and states west of the Rocky Mountains have already faced shortages of fresh water and these issues aren’t broadly forecasted in the news as they should be.
In Detroit Michigan we are surrounded by the Great Lakes which make up one of the largest sources of (unfrozen above ground) Fresh water.
Once a city Has hit rock bottom the only way to go is up especially a city like Detroit.
Time is changing and so is the world, We must adapt and cater to that change if we want to be successful in our businesses and investments.
With all of the new Electric vehicles coming into the market they need to be produced somewhere and what better place than The Motor City itself which is built for it.
My team and I are strong believers and supporters in the comeback of our city and have made careers out of it. From actively flipping to first time homebuyers and investors flying in every week to Buy and holds for our family’s portfolio to pass down to my children and grandchildren like my father did for us.
Being 27 years of age and a full fledge investor in the Detroit Market for the past several years the only regret I have is not starting sooner. On the bright side I believe I am young enough to get in now while there is still room for plenty of growth; this way when I’m in my mid 40s I can come back and tell everyone in their 60s and 70s “told ya so” (I already do this to people and family that have previously doubted investing in Detroit) I have gotten many to change their perspectives already by example.
If anyone is interested in the Detroit Market; my team and I fully support you and the come back of our city!
Feel free to connect any time and Happy Investing!
God bless!
Post: New Investor - Detroit, MI

- Specialist
- Southeast Michigan
- Posts 294
- Votes 243
Turnkey is usually referred to the condition of the house. Once in a blue moon we will come by a deal in Dearborn or Dearborn Heights and they go very quickly. Usually cash as well. You know very well there isn’t a lack of business owners or cash buyers in Dearborn and we all want DEARBORN Dearborn heights lol
Post: New Investor - Detroit, MI

- Specialist
- Southeast Michigan
- Posts 294
- Votes 243
Originally posted by @Nader Hachem:
Hey BP Community,
I'm Nader, 23 years old and located in the Metro Detroit area. Posting for the first time on BP but been browsing and listening to the podcasts for a while. I've recently caught interest in learning and investing in real estate properties to rent out. I've been saving some money for a some time now and i am expecting to have enough knowledge/cash on hand to invest in my first rental property this year.
There's tons of information on BP that one could easily get lost in. What are some of the most beneficial forums/real estate topics you guys have learned from as a beginner investor through BiggerPockets? Look forward to starting my journey through real estate!
I'm open to all who would like to network and converse about anything!
Welcome to BP! I’m From Grosse ile/ woodhaven. My family and I have 4 in Dearborn and 2 in Dearborn Heights. The last one we purchased in Dearborn was for 50k in 2015 and those prices are difficult to come by now.
If you’re looking to leverage and finance the deal there’s many things to consider such as condition etc.
I would recommend something in the surrounding suburbs Dearborn Heights, Redford, Livonia, Taylor and the downriver communities.
Also go turnkey, something that doesn’t need any renovation what so ever. Just close on it and rent it out.
Goal should be to Cashflow+ 250-$450 for something turnkey.
Shoot me a message if you’d like to connect sometime.
Post: Detroit, Michigan

- Specialist
- Southeast Michigan
- Posts 294
- Votes 243
Originally posted by @Erica Cartagena:
Anyone Investing in the detroit, michigan area? Seems like a good opportunity to buy and hold.
If you would’ve invested 4 years ago in the right areas you would’ve doubled up (minimum) on appreciation by now.
Post: Detroit, Michigan

- Specialist
- Southeast Michigan
- Posts 294
- Votes 243
Originally posted by @Jaron Walling:
Even with the wheels missing. It’s still a beauty.
I haven’t seen too many cars sitting on bricks lately.
Detroit is 140 sq. Miles +
There are many beautiful neighborhoods and there still the rough areas.
Just have to know the market or have solid boots on ground That knows what they’re doing in Detroit.
Post: Buying next rental - Lease option or traditional bank loan

- Specialist
- Southeast Michigan
- Posts 294
- Votes 243
Originally posted by @Stephanie Drouillard:
We currently have enough saved for a 15% down payment for our next rental property. When I called the bank to get pre-qualified they told me that we are able, but are very close to being denied because of our debt to income ratio. I already know this would be the last loan the bank would give us for a rental property. This has me thinking and researching about creative seller financing options and I stumbled upon sandwich lease options. This option is intriguing, and has me wondering what other investors out there think. If you had a chunk of money for investing would you spend it as the down payment on 1 rental house, or use it many times as 'option money' for sandwich lease options? I am leaning towards the down payment route just because it is familiar to me, but I know in the near future I need to get more creative if I want to keep making money in real estate!
You have to be careful with those sandwich leases.....
Many things to check for on title Such as a second mortgage HOA and things of that nature people may overlook or the seller may not mention.
Post: Detroit Cracks Down On City Landlords

- Specialist
- Southeast Michigan
- Posts 294
- Votes 243
About 11% Of landlords Comply to this. It was put in for the real slumlords that we’re renting houses that need full rehab.
Surprisingly There are people that still pay rent and move into houses in that condition.... especially in the winter.
Post: URGENT - HELP. Need PRO feedback on this management question.

- Specialist
- Southeast Michigan
- Posts 294
- Votes 243
Originally posted by @Brandon Parkes:
Hey BP crew.
Brandon from Toronto here. I have a couple of properties in Canada and last year, opened an LLC and purchased a duplex in Detroit. For obvious reasons, I employed the use of a management company and have had problem after problem WITH THEM ever since.
It started with chasing payment, because they weren't transferring funds as per the schedule on their contract. Then there were incidents with expenses that seemed abnormally frequent, some of which I have still been chasing for documentation. It has now escalated and I have not received the deposit for Nov or Dec and am having a very tough time with this altogether.
Can you please share some feedback here. How can I pursue this in the US legally. Should I be switching property management companies ASAP? If I switch, how can I go after the money owed? Should I be seeking legal to come after them.? Should I be threatening legal action to get them to get caught up on their deposits?
We have a 2 year old boy and infant twins. We need to get this sorted ASAP and I need some help.
Thank you in advance.
Brandon
Congrats on the twins! We have twin girls that are now 3 and It will get much easier but also challenging with time.... Great times of course 😁
In the meantime It wouldn’t be a bad idea to formally terminate the agreement if there’s foul play. If time allows you then Plan a productive trip to interview new management face to face, check on properties, tenants, property values and see what the best position is for you and your investment.
If needed I can connect you with our attorney, He was ranked number 1 worldwide for his Remax Brokerage in 2014 and is great for Wayne county.
We pretty much self manage with attorney but are also local and have the manpower to do so.
Feel free to reach out and I’ll connect you and best of luck to you guys with the twins.
Post: How to determine a good location to buy?

- Specialist
- Southeast Michigan
- Posts 294
- Votes 243
Originally posted by @Myrl Paschke:
@Alex K.
I am just south of flint and have been looking into Grand Blanc, Flint, Waterford and Fenton. But I have looked everywhere from Bay City down to Ferndale.
I have a goal of two doors by June/July so I will have to get busy sooner rather than later.
I’ve been to all of these cities and also looked at properties and property values in these areas. Everyone’s has their opinions and different goals but If I had to pick out of the ones you mentioned I would go with Bay City.
On the other hand if you’ve made it all the way to Ferndale then I’d expand my search to southwest Oakland county South East Macomb County and Western/ Southern Wayne county.