Recently, Steak n Shake in PF stopped having someone seat you, you now go to the counter to order and then they installed a drink machine so you get it yourself.  

@Drew Sygitfunny enough I think MI changed their company name to shake the past

You’ll also want to meet and shake hands with contractors and housekeepers that will be helping you.  

My landlord friend calls it "bleeding heart" syndrome and just shakes his head at me. 

maybe for the time being you just lend those funds to someone else in a safe manner make cash flow that way while you wait to see how the market shakes out. 

@Jim K. thats fascinating, and actually not too dissimilar to Boston--more money here in general but more in-laws, old triple-deckers, illegal conversions and grandfathered weirdness than you can shake a stick at.

A bit like shaking someone's hand and taking their word for it.Now as an agent, I think estoppels are a great idea.

I'm no expert, and couldn't tell you how things shake out in a scenario where I was actually sued, but as those brave guys who defuse bombs will tell you... 

If I was your agent I would tell you to write a lowball offer on some of these that have been sitting out there and see what shakes out,,,,,,make sure there's an appraisal and inspection contingency in your offer......If your offer gets accepted and you ultimately purchase the place then you only have to live there for a year....then simply move out and put a renter in the side of the duplex you were living in.....at that point your biggest problem will be finding another place to live.

It will take about 3 months to shake it all out.