Every real estate investor asks the same question: What’s a good ROI on rental property?

The problem is that most answers online are oversimplified. You’ll see percentages thrown around—8%, 10%, 12%—but without context, those numbers are meaningless.

A “good” return depends on location, risk, asset class, operating structure, financing, and management efficiency. A poorly managed high-ROI property can underperform a well-managed moderate-ROI asset over time.

At JMZ Management, we look at ROI as a performance system, not a single number. True rental investment success comes from combining strong cash flow, operational efficiency, asset protection, and long-term value growth.

Setting the right rent is one of the most important decisions a landlord makes—but it’s also one of the easiest places to go wrong. In a market like Detroit, rental pricing isn’t "one-size-fits-all." Neighborhood conditions, tenant demand, seasonality, and local trends all play a role. When pricing is off, it can lead to longer vacancies, reduced cash flow, or avoidable tenant turnover.

Here are the most common Detroit rental pricing mistakes landlords make—and how to avoid them.

Winter in Michigan brings freezing temperatures, heavy snowfall, and icy conditions that can take a toll on rental properties. For landlords, winter maintenance is about protecting your investment, preventing costly emergency repairs, and reducing liability risks. Properties that aren’t properly prepared for cold weather are more likely to experience issues like frozen pipes, heating failures, roof damage, and slip-and-fall incidents.

By taking a proactive approach to winter rental maintenance, Michigan landlords can avoid many common problems before they start. This guide covers essential cold-weather preparation, safety and liability considerations, and how a winter landlord checklist can help you stay organized throughout the season.