Those properties that are obviously vacant - as well as those you advertise for 'immediate occupancy' are well-known targets of squatters. 

Well there is somethings right here and some are off mark IMHO.

the reality is that well over 90% of all our clients exchanges end successfully.

Also, for the new move, if you don't know the city very well, I generally bias towards renting, at least for a few months.

I’m currently doing research about up and coming areas such as this post as well as looking for local groups.

If he's doing work in Pennsylvania and not complying with that statute, you may want to reach out to the PA Attorney General as well.

Well maintained 80's property, vintage condition units.

It can be done ethically, but you need safeguards to confirm mortgage & possibly property tax payments made on-time, as well as insurance with you protected.- Also, you need a legal way to take back the deed if buyer defaults!

But since i rarely held more than a year all the others got paid off quickly so I did not have to do all the hidden tricks to try to fool the bank or well not fool the bank or servicer but make it harder for them to figure out I was now the owner. 

Memphis has a pretty affordable housing market and tends to offer solid rental yields, which might align well with your goals.Let me know if you need any more info or want to chat further about this.