Too many competitors, nobody wants to go all the way down to AC to gamble when there are alternatives much closer (and a movement to allow casinos in northern NJ), the city is decaying, etc, etc.  

But if there are 2 equal offers I'm sure cash would be chosen.

Have you chosen to go with the city inspectors or a private company?  

It is certainly my chosen path.

Its a bit of a gamble with this market out here, for sure.

Or is it really just taking a pot-luck gamble - every time?

My credit score is horrible due to some poor decisions I made last year in acquiring close to 10,000 in debt that I have yet to finish paying due to not being able to find a job that I like (I have since chosen to work any job I can my hands on). 

I wouldn't say you're being unfair, but you have a tenant who has paid- the funds have left her acct, but you have chosen to not use the express pay option.

But if the safe harbors are not chosen, its back to the eternal debate on where the line between expense and capitalization is drawn.

My credit score is horrible due to some poor decisions I made last year in acquiring close to 10,000 in debt that I have yet to finish paying due to not being able to find a job that I like (I have since chosen to work any job I can my hands on).