Maybe the previous inhabitants were in the business of raising indoor plants.

I can go traditional with a halfway in shape property but my understanding is that if it's not inhabitable, I need an HML.

We went there to notice it had a notice from the state saying its inhabitable, basically shut down.

By this I mean a property that is not inhabitable so likely to require a policy that is valid when vacant and under construction.Foremost would be one.John Corey

Property needs upkeep and has some signs of distress.Here are the numbers:Asking price $40k3 units (2/1, 2/1, & 1/1)2/1 #1 = $6002/1 #2 = $7001/1 = 0 (inhabited by owner)Taxes = 645/yUtilities?

Fortunately we can and will do renovations with a tenant in place when it makes sense to do so.Renovations are necessary from time to time for the long term viability of the property and safety of its inhabitants.

Worcester does seem to be a little cheaper as it looks like you can get into an inhabitable 2 unit around $100K where in Lowell that probably starts more like $130K.

The current demographics show a predominately black neighborhood with most inhabitants living well below the poverty line.Please see this very interesting website on overtown-http://overtowner.comRegarding the difference between Overtown and Little Haiti, if you view it from a sheer geographical standpoint you can see the distinct difference.Little Haiti is a fairly large area with 2 borders that are very haute couture and 2 borders that are like a faux pas.Overtown is a smaller precinct with hot real estate in every direction.

Some states may only require the landlord to let the tenant out of the lease if it is determined it is not habitable during repairs or becomes inhabitable while they are living there.  

I looked at a home two weeks ago (via photos from the agent) of a home that belonged to a prominent investor in the midwest that was "Occupied up until the Sheriff's sale in December" that looked un-inhabitable to me.