Uses for vacant small town buildings?

[Oliver Sparks]

Most of my life is spent living in and cruising around the midwest. Particularly in the Kansas City and Des Moines metro areas. And when I'm traveling to the outskirts and more rural areas, it bugs me that I see so many empty old buildings no longer in use. What was once a flourishing business district is now vacant and run down. There are, of course, a large number of reasons why these old store fronts or industrial areas are no longer functioning as healthy businesses. But, the entrepreneurial side of me gets my mind wondering what if...

I'm curious what some other investors and business owners have done to revive and rescue properties like these. And if the choice was made to bring a building back to life, was the decision actually the most economical? Or was it just for the sake of saving a piece of history?

[Ryan Irwin]

Quote from @Oliver Sparks:

Most of my life is spent living in and cruising around the midwest. Particularly in the Kansas City and Des Moines metro areas. And when I'm traveling to the outskirts and more rural areas, it bugs me that I see so many empty old buildings no longer in use. What was once a flourishing business district is now vacant and run down. There are, of course, a large number of reasons why these old store fronts or industrial areas are no longer functioning as healthy businesses. But, the entrepreneurial side of me gets my mind wondering what if...

I'm curious what some other investors and business owners have done to revive and rescue properties like these. And if the choice was made to bring a building back to life, was the decision actually the most economical? Or was it just for the sake of saving a piece of history?

 Great question @Oliver Sparks, I live in Des Moines and like to invest in rural Iowa.  Agreed on the history and character of some of these old buildings and homes.  To echo what has been said, it still has to be a financial benefit and crunching the numbers to make sense.  One thing to look at is if the city has any programs that are available.  For example, lead paint removal.  Sometimes there is grant money on the table that can be accessed.  Also talking to the city council, there might be some assistance if it's in an area where revitalization is desired with the city.  While it still has to make sense as an investment of resources, programs like these could sweeten the deal.