Investments in cities hard hit by deindustrialization, like my hometown, Flint, MI, or Detroit, Gary, or Indianapolis, IN, Dayton, Akron, or Cleveland, OH, are profitable for investors in single-family homes or duplexes. 

All families need a place to live, and those with children desire to live in a good school district; renovating existing properties can assist children attend better schools and allow parents the time needed to save for the purchase of their first home.