What an interesting topic. I have actually been trying to come up with something as an investment idea in MI for the past month. I’m not sure it would be RE; in my opinion it seems like it would be flat for a while.
Comments on Ann Arbor seem to be good. Lots of smart college kids there and maybe a start-up opportunity for money or renting space.
Surrounded by fresh water, although the quality varies ;). It seems that at some point the state/cities should realize they need to provide breaks to businesses to attract them. The unions have always been a problem there, but in the past 3 years it seems the workforce is realizing that unions are not the way to prosperity. This, despite the fact the GM union benefited in a huge way through the gov’t takeover of GM. Transfer of wealth from investors to union members. Ford is a much better story.
I’m rambling, but I truly would like to be part of a success story there. Lots of good hard working people that deserve a chance (plenty of non-workers as well). It would be great if you share some of your ideas in this area.
