Since the government has such huge expenses after a situation such as this and the majority of tax payers end up on the hook for the costs is it appropriate to allow any one to rebuild in a area that will inevitably be devastated over and over again. 

The owners of the vacant/distressed properties seem to be okay with letting the property continue in disrepair, and/or letting the government lay a claim to it by neglecting to pay their taxes.

Part II of my answer:Not only is it important to ask the right questions, but being able to read their “body language” is also important and listening to their words and tone of voice.

AreaAs such I use the county's records on line. http://www.calhouncountymi.gov/government/district...This only shows actions from this county, but I stick to renting to locals 

Depending on your area, you'll either need a physical title or the government entity in charge can look up to see the owner on record.

While the returns can be much greater, the cheese moves much faster in the game of short-term rentals, and the knowledge and strategy required when it comes to existing and future government regulation (on the city, county, and even state levels) is hugely important as one could get put out of business at any time.

A search shows D80 bodies for only $100!  

These are monies that the bank governs themselves.  

.  :-/  Everyone I have ever spoken with who had anything to do with it says, "Well, if it wasn't for the appraisers...if it wasn't for the lenders...if it wasn't for the government...if it wasn't for the bankers...If it wasn't for fannie..."

These maps are generally what is the zoning today and what the government body wants to see in the future.