But, politicians are smart foxes, and they have a portfolio of solutions to keep the Rent-Control-Ellis-Acted tenant as a valued customer (i.e. voter): one of them is the Ellis Act Housing Preference Program (http://sfmohcd.org/ellis-act-housing-preference-program).

Was such a pain in the rear end to jump through the hoops, they just empty the tills at night now.Never underestimate a politician to screw things up.

On personal income taxes, there might be an agreement to go to more of a flat tax and reduce the income rates a few points, but eliminate the mortgage interest deduction.Of course, politicians always talk about a simpler, flatter tax code, but then when it comes to implementing specifics, back down.  

This is especially true right now for American politicians (joke but probably true)The point is that you must first have dream and 2nd you must follow that dream until you achieve it.  

Scott The Book on Flipping Houses, The Book on Estimating ReHab Costs http://www.biggerpockets.com/flippingbookHave a buddy who walks a targeted neighborhood door knocking on doors speaking to residents on behalf of the local politician.

If you go down in person, and find one of the code enforcement inspectors, not one of the admin/politicians, they'll usually give you an idea what to expect.

Water bills and the lack of support from the City for business people and development is a prime reason to leave Baltimore or get active and start controlling houses and commercial properties in a town that I have been in now for 74 years.I own houses and commercial properties in Baltimore and it has been good to me as well as profitable - but there are times with the negative aspect of this city - the politicians and lack of support - makes me sometimes rethink my Baltimore activity.My son, Ian, just wrote a letter to Congressman Elijah Cummings, in part it said this:You know, the Great Baltimore Fire of 1904 is known as one of the largest catastrophes Baltimore has ever faced. 1,500 properties were destroyed.

Who do you think will pay for the politician's proposed "free college"?

Examples of questions of less relevance are whether he knows many bankers, closing attorneys, and PMs well in your area, whether he knows many local politicians (if you want to become a developer in the future), and whether he himself owns investment properties.

Politicians are raising the property tax Millage rate almost every year in many areas of the country.