Lots of cool new construction in pockets next to older vintage style houses etc… my gps kinda took me on a weird windy turn off 65 somewhere… but anyway, I’m just saying that your market is intriguing.

As you do more projects you will find colors and flooring designs that you find match well and suit the aesthetic the best.That being said when we are doing unit turn overs and flips we are either doing grey walls with cool temp/grey style floorings.

The eviction can be styled......   

I am not writing off your investment style as there is obviously merit to buying a property that cash flows from the get-go, but I would ask that you both consider the merit of strategies that might not match yours. 

The previous owner was a bit laxed in his management style. 

After you’ve narrowed your search and selected a few companies that fit your style and investment strategy, you might post a few names here asking about their service.

Saving for your first property - There are a million different tips any person may give you on this, so, here is mine: Literally keep an income statement for your household finances (this is what I do myself) and create budgets for every regular monthly expense type you incur, as well as reserve expenses that come up annually(or some other cycle).

Account Closed If you are dealing with a side-by-side duplex (townhouse style) with a drive on either side, it is much clearer to the tenants who is responsible for which portion of the lawn care and snow removal.  

@Bill Brandt The other big variable is the swings in the consolidation and un-consolidation of households, which is tough to get good stats on but it's likely one of the largest variables that swings prices and rents. 

Talmer Bank has some money you can get if your household income is 25K-65K I think.Otherwise, if its just cosmetic it stuff, lots of Credit Unions in SE Michigan do signature loans for 5-20K for home improvements.