Growing the plant has become commoditized, it would seem.

@Michael Plante when you say "south side of St Pete", where exactly are you referring?

In my experience “buying” in the inner city rarely involves the exchange of cash.Regardless of where you rent my concern would be that you have planted a seed in an otherwise good tenants head.

I'm an ultra-involved general contracting company owner/realtor in the Houston area, also suffering from ocd and a bit of perfectionism... 

For example, if you look at recession statistics, generally office suffered higher vacancies and higher rental drops than multi family.

@Jay Hinrichs, exactly, it's far more likely the judgment will be required to be paid, so far more the suffering party, the prior landlord will get paid in the future instead of lenders (i.e. some portfolio &  private lenders) who may not make it a requirement to fund the loan.No matter what, its like attaching a Low Jack that flashes like a Neon Sign when someone pulls a report that says..."

When he left, I remember hearing and reading about how much the local economy suffered in Cleveland.

They seem like great markets for buy and hold strategies due to the nearby plants.

@Ryan Cerpa Thanks for the insight, it would be worth looking into what regulations our set on our provider@Michael Plante thanks, that is certainly what we are doing. 

That being said, you could also pick an underdeveloped area of Southeast or Northeast DC and plant your flag.