Many know that the Civil Relief Act permits active duty military to break a lease when they recieve orders or depart from service.

If on the other hand a borrower was in bankruptcy and the lender went and held a foreclosure sale while the borrower had stay protection, without seeking and being issued relief to proceed to sale, that's another issue.

It's a bit of a relief to know I wasn't just imagining=P

It is a relief to know this should not scare off investors.

Service members are protected by the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act if they need to break their lease on account of a deployment or permanent change of station."

You can do a subject too deal with anyone who is looking for debt relief. 

It does take time and patience to maneuver through the system but it is very doable with a few connections and an open mind.The storm was a tragic event and I too hope we don't have to experience anything quite like that again, but it has also in my opinion allowed a large group of people (power crews, relief volunteers just to name a few) that may not have ever ventured here an opportunity to experience this paradise first hand.

The 25% exemption noted above is designed for relief from market appreciation not capital expenditures.

Second, you must use all of the net proceeds (the net sale minus all mortgage relief) in the next purchase or purchases.You can purchase less than you sell and you can take cash out but the IRS views both as taking profit and you will be taxed on that amount while the rest of your profit is sheltered in the 1031.And don't forget you must use a qualified intermediary to process the 1031. 

I'm sure it's a huge relief.