Thanks for the responses.I think the only play here is to divy up the community land among the current property owners.  

This flipper has earned a reputation among the children of the original residents (who all went to school together and still talk from time to time) as someone who can solve their parent's house problem, including all the stuff they don't want to deal with.Advertising that you buy homes as-is, and that the house doesn't need to be cleaned out first may be a marketing point to touch on.

My first hurdle is I want to create a very well constructed business plan and tie that into a very well structured deal among the partners.

Grays Harbor county has among the highest unemployment rates in the state.

It's great you guys have a well defined plan the likes of which is rare among the community (including myself!).

That seems to be the consensus among the half dozen investors I've spoken with so far.

As you know the eviction process is cook county IL is among the longest in the country, if you can get them out within six months count your blessings.

Among the reasoning to do that is to keep your personal belongings out of a person's reach in case their is any legal thing on your new business.Another thing you might consider is to get your financing, if needed, before you make an offer.  

So just realized this neighborhood is among the most priced nieborhood and newest one too!

Not to say you can't have a good deal on your hands if there are some losers among the winners but it's really a business decision.