Even still, I would encourage you to stay away from pockets where there are numerous (a little bit of this can be OK) boarded up or vacant houses in decay.

Unfortunately, the live trap caught a raccoon (I assume) and it has decayed to the point that it was a gooey skeleton glued to the inside of the trap.

I was in negotiations to buy a 8 unit (in an opportunity zone - thats code for "crappier neighborhood, a.k.a "war zone") that would have cost me a fortune in city inspections.... all to have the privilege of partnering with the housing assistance office (more inspections and red tape) to house folks that have zero interest in actually taking any responsibility for MY investment - their home.NO THANKS... there really are better areas for me to place my bets.Im not down on the Lehigh Valley as a whole... but inside the 3 cities that have these repressive policies.... keep you decay and polocies.

. - repair handrail#7 [Throughout] 302.4 Overgrown weeds or grass - All premises and exterior shall be maintain free from weeds or grass in excess of 10 inches - Cut overgrowth#8 [Throughout] 307.1 Accumulation of rubbish or garbage - Property must be clean of all rubbish or garbage - Remove all rubbish and garbage-#9 [Throughout] 305.3 Interior surfaces - Cracked or loose plaster:: decayed wood and other defective surface conditions shall be corrected. - Repair walls

They are doing their best to counteract this reputation but the kids who came down here in the 80's have grown up and are bringing their children here now.  

It is not the storms and winds that knock down the Grand Old Tree, it is the bugs and decay in the root system that bring it down.

All great responses guys and as a newcomer it's great to hear people who have been at it for quite some time, still talking about their "job" with so much enjoyment.And even when I say to myself, ok tonight is relax night, I still always find myself back on the laptop researching something to do with real estate investing.I guess to counter act my question.

I see this increased demand counteracting the rising rates effect on loss of buying power.

They are also the ones creating new jobs in building and construction, and revitalizing neighborhoods that would otherwise sit in decay and disrepair.If this bill could be so crippling to lenders, investors and allied job creation, why did it pass unanimously in the FL legislature?

Some people seem very conservative and think the stuff with accelerate the decay of the wood, yet others swear that the coatings are the best way to go.Here's a message board post w/ replies from BobVila.com on the subject: http://www.bobvila.com/wwwboard/messages/202587.html