These two properties are identical to the rehabbed products that came from these real estate investors last year.

I would check into whether there are any existing convictions or judgments for this contractor, particularly if any were for taking deposits and failing to do any of the work that was paid ("theft by deception" is one of the charges for that).

These seem much the same yet not identical to me.

The center of the house had fallen in on itself and virtually everything was oozing and decaying front wood rot, termite damage, water damage, copper theft, and virtually every other form of abuse a house can possibly be subjected to.

And the person who perpetrated the theft was put in jail, I believe.

I have occasional break-ins and copper theft on vacant units.

You can call the police and shoot for something like theft by conversion or fraud, but they are probably going to tell you your only recourse is a civil suit Its a breach of contract, I dont know that they'd call it a criminal act from what you've described.

Multiple theft callsA few burglariesA few harassment calls Several other rather minor calls (dog barking, noise disturbances, etc.)Looks like a C- / D+ neighborhood to me.

A development next to ours has identical houses and their HOA allows them to use white windows.

You want your name in the back of the mind of the public, then when prompted, your name is recognized.Professional companies use signage, fly by nights don't.Might add a "rider" on the side of your sign and post a copy of your permit too.In some areas I've seen signs pulled in the evening and they are put up early in the AM, kids and theft.