A pain for those trying to travel but I bet awesome for those sitting tight enjoying the fireplace and beautiful scenery. 

I was thinking buying turn key would be a safe bet to help with cash flow, but it seems every month something is going on with the property and I owe money!!

You bet, Jason.

You’re not betting everything on one renter or one market rent assumption.It’s also forced me to think more like an operator than an appraiser.

I have a first-position hard money lender in place (purchase + rehab financing), and everything on that side is moving forward.Where I’m stuck is the remaining gap capital needed for the down payment, closing costs, and initial carry.Here’s what happened (lesson learned the hard way):Earlier in the process, I planned to do this deal with a few friends who verbally agreed to invest alongside me.

I bet a bunch of people would have a hard time proving their hours.

I always saw Detroit as a (dangerous) bet, but sometimes "le pegas el palo al gato" and sometimes you don´t.

Your best bet is to set expectations with them and follow up with them when they do not meet those expectations.

Best bet would be an equity partner

@Azeem Mannan, good 'chicken and egg' question.If we miss the seller's motivation after initial contact, how can we scratch their itch?