It is also zoned as a duplex, so he is considering finishing the space above the garage as a 1 bedroom.

You need to find an investor friendly REA, then sit down with them and set up your own personal "feed" with multiple zones based on the markets and property profile you are looking for.  

One thing that scares me about that one is the price   Cheaper houses are indicative of war zone areas and especially cheap houses with high rents.

@Shawn Ackerman - are you roughly in the 2.5% to 3% zone with your properties?

I was curious to what type of zoning change process they go through to pull this off?

Even though it's zoned for commercial the previous owners occupied the entire property as residential.

I would highly recommend that you read both The little red book on selling and How to win friends and influence people. 

I would check zoning with the city.

I am currently looking for inventory in Detroit...performing or vacant property, preferably multifamily or brick...not in war zones...as far as notes go, I would be open to looking at them, but they need to be strong in Detroit...or for a large UPB in a premiere area.

Do you have any more info about the lot, zoning, location, etc?