I’d also reach out to the Hancock County Planning Department to get a feel for how flexible they might be on replating and rezoning—better to get ahead early.For renovations, if you don’t have boots on the ground yet, ask for referrals through local investor-friendly agents.

Unless those items are all satisfied (except for housing violations and some non-monetary liens which follow the property), the department of finance will not allow the deed to pass through to the next stop in the recording process.So even if you wanted to dump a property that was totally upside down with liens to someone who was willing to take it from you, you can't do it.

I would look at markets where you can do overseas military or state department renters.  

Here's the instructions:https://www.phila.gov/departments/board-of-revision-of-taxes...

Saika  While a permit is a hassle, what happens if there was a fire, it burned down, someone got killed and the fire department was not even aware the unpermitted structure existed.

However if you are attempting to use rental income for your departing residence that's where it will be a little tricky... 

I know it sounds like I'm splitting hairs but some banks write HELOCs in their residential department....which won't write Investment Properties.

Also confirm that county maintenance liens are added to the tax debt.Fourth, you can contact your county ordinance department, usually those who handle house condemnations and mowing liens, and provide them with the property tax number, photos of the violation with a complaint from the named neighbor about the risk. 

Their customer service department is very responsive.When selling a service as taking care of everything and handling the complete process, this includes all forms, liabilities and considerations for that particular need.

I know it sounds like I'm splitting hairs but some banks write HELOCs in their residential department....which won't write Investment Properties.