They were covered in tarps, porches collapsing, etc. 

For example Detroit suffered from the collapse of the auto industry and Orlando is being hurt currently because it relies on tourism (e.g. theme parks).

Besides, even if the world collapses gold and silver won’t be valuable, instead we would revert to a barter system and the most valuable items would be things that help one survive, food, water, shelter, clothing, etc.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------If you can wait it out, for the next likely collapse of the U.S. economy, due to the effects of COVID-19 on the U.S. in 2020; then in a likely also collapse in real estate prices, you can make a good buy on an house-trailer on a city lot.

In general, you should do at least an annual walk-thru for condition.Tenants won't tell you stuff is wrong until it collapses and gets really expensive (like moisture invasion).

IF you allow this, at a min:1) You are NOT creating or implying a BAILMENT (ie if something happens to the bike you're not responsible) AND2) Tenant needs some proof (like an insurance declaration) to cover you for any damage to your building (like someone busting a lock to steal it) or his property (say the building collapses or his bike gets stolen). 

Ray Dalio is saying that actually, "cash is trash" because what is coming is not merely a market crash or a housing market crash, what is coming is the collapse of the US DOLLAR.

Most of the surrounding properties were dilapidated, boarded up, or straight collapsing in on themselves.

I have been renting bedrooms for exorbitant prices and considering the possibility of buying a home here, and I want to know if it makes sense or I if am out of my mind.As I see it, the benefit is clear: There is a huge demand here for property, that won't go away anytime soon barring a total exodus or collapse of the tech industry. 

During this time we also paid cash for one of the properties (which we didn't want to do) because, financing options through banks had collapsed due to DTI.