It sounds like they were wholesalers trying to sell this property but they couldn't find a buyer in time.

Quote from @Dan Hinz: My business partner and I are looking at buying a property in Akron, OH, but we aren't intimately familiar with the city yet (we both live in Florida).Other than virtually driving around on Google Maps Street View, does anyone have any suggestions on how to analyze specific areas and neighborhoods?

Let me add this to the discussion:in 2015 there were 280 HUDs in PAin 2018 there were 100 HUDs in PAtoday in 2020 there are 28 HUDs in PAThese are just snapshots of one period in time, but they are telling, and are representative of other states around the country. 

You could also consider combining your Section 121 exclusion with a 1031 Exchange (if you can identify a property in time). 

That is a differentiator I don't see saving persons from penalties as it's the exact same intent, same mechanisms, just different in time. 

California, to my pleasant surprise passed a new law that went into effect January 1 that allows property owners to file a Letter of Agency with local law enforcement which notifies them that the property is vacant.

The cost of insurance at this point in time is only about 0.25% of the cash value each year.

And far less pleasant, safe, and clean jobs as well.2.

I usually do this a little early if I can get it to them in time for Christmas.

My leverage was my intimate knowledge of housing systems and construction techniques and my willingness to apply time and energy to the problem when I didn't have money.