Just an FYI when going into vacant/abandoned homes.

[Ryan Miller]

I don't run into these very often, but honestly you never know when you're going to run into something like this, so it's always best to be careful. I always have a flashlight, pocket knife, small multitool  and I also have a LTC/CCW so I carry as well.      Both of these were boarded up, one had lost it's certificate of occupancy.   The house with the needles I'm pretty sure the squatters were inside as I was pulling the board off the back door.  The pitt bull photo was another house where the I had previously had a couple of guys run up as I got out of my truck. 

I always knock really loudly, and normally talk as I'm coming up to the door.  From my experience people that are squatting don't really want confrontation.  Normally when I pull up, I take a min or so to look the house over from the outside. Look for someone peeking out, or even walking around the house area really checking out what I'm doing.    The house with the pitt bull the squatter was defiantly close by, and was pacing the street as I came out of the house.  Luckily the dog was not aggressive towards me.  I just slowly backed away and left the property. 

More than anything it's just good to be aware of your surroundings. No deal is worth your life or safety. I've only passed on going into a couple of houses, but I know I made the right call.   

[Thierry Louis]

You're right safety first. Wow! They did some work on that property.