Generally speaking, with SFR or small multis, I just rely on the lease/rent roll (and some form of proof of payment; i.e. bank statements, deposit receipts, tax returns, etc.). 

Downtown is about 10-15 years in to a gentrification cycle and varies from block to block. 

You're building great social proof for prospects who you're already engaging with.

If they can and are willing to provide ACCEPTABLE proof of their hardship, we may give then a few extra days (not weeks) at a step in the process.There is some merit to Jeff's claim that he is doing the work of 5 people - but, it won't take 90 days to go through everything.

Your type of lessors are downturn proof.  

And even then, the life cycle is generally pretty long from first contact to closing.  

This self-reinforcing cycle of decline has proven nearly impossible for most cities to reverse.Minimize capital required to purchase multiple properties.

I always make my offer and include a POF(proof of funds) letter showing the seller that I have the funds to close.

Have proof on hand (easy enough to find) online of the missed tax payments and any documentation that supports that he specifically didn't pay his taxes.Probably a simply mistake on his part, but now if he wants to develop on it, he either has to land lease it from you or buy it back.I'm not sure how the whole tax deed thing works, so that would be something you have to figure out between the two of you.

They will be able to update you on what you need to do to help fire proof your home, and if there are any other options to lower insurance like external fire sprinklers, sealing up, attic vents, defensible space, etc.