Land bank homes often seem tempting when deciding what property to invest in in Detroit. They're widely available, low-priced, and full of potential—on paper. However, if you've been in the real estate game for a while, you know that cheap doesn't always mean profitable.
At Own It Detroit, we’ve seen too many investors pour money into Detroit Land Bank properties only to get stuck in a long, expensive renovation process with no guaranteed return. That’s why seasoned investors are shifting their focus to smarter alternatives—like turnkey properties and the MTMA Fund. These models are built to generate cash flow, reduce risk, and scale portfolios efficiently.
Let’s walk through why the deals that look good on the surface often aren’t and what experienced investors are buying instead.
Detroit Land Bank Authority (DLBA) homes catch a lot of attention. With thousands of properties listed at rock-bottom prices, they offer an unbeatable chance to “buy low” and build equity through renovations. However, digging a little deeper, you’ll find that these deals often come with significant baggage.
We explored this in detail in our blog: Why Detroit Land Bank Houses Aren’t the Bargain You Think They Are. Here’s a quick recap of the key challenges:
These issues make land bank properties a gamble, especially for out-of-state or first-time investors.
Instead of rolling the dice, experienced investors prioritize long-term performance, stable income, and manageable risk. Here’s what they focus on when deciding what property to invest in:
In short, they want assets that work for them, not vice versa.
That’s why more and more investors are choosing turnkey rental properties. These homes have already been fully renovated, rented out, and professionally managed—so investors can skip the headaches and start generating income immediately.
A turnkey property is exactly what it sounds like: you turn the key, and it’s ready to go. However, not all turnkey providers operate the same way. At Own It Detroit, we’ve built a model that gives our investors the confidence they need to scale their portfolios without being hands-on.
Here’s how it works:
That means you don’t have to find contractors, chase down permits, or wonder if a property will cash flow. Our turnkey homes typically offer projected returns between 7% and 12%, and you can start earning from day one.
Want to see what’s available right now? Check out our latest listings.
Our MTMA Fund is the next step for investors who want even more simplicity, scalability, and diversification. It’s designed for people who believe in Detroit real estate, but don’t want the responsibility of managing individual properties.
The MTMA Fund is a professionally managed investment fund that owns and operates a portfolio of high-performing single-family rentals in Detroit. By investing in the fund, you gain access to the same market advantages—without buying, renovating, or managing properties yourself.
Here’s what makes the MTMA Fund so attractive:
If you’re wondering what property to invest in without taking on another full-time job, the MTMA Fund may be your answer.
Land bank homes may look like a shortcut to high ROI, but in reality, they’re often time-consuming, costly, and frustrating. Between permitting delays, compliance rules, and renovation nightmares, they rarely make sense for investors who want predictable performance.
Instead, experienced investors are choosing models that offer real results—without the hassle. Turnkey rental properties and the MTMA Fund give you access to Detroit’s thriving real estate market, backed by a team that knows how to deliver.
Whether you’re just getting started or looking to grow your portfolio, Own It Detroit has options that meet your goals—without the guesswork. From cash-flow-ready turnkey homes to the professionally managed MTMA Fund, we help you build income, stability, and wealth through Detroit real estate.