If it starts to decay no.

Holding high levels of cash counteracts the befits of leverage, so while I don't speak for those who made statements about the highly leveraged folks, I have inferred, possibly incorrectly, that there is an implicit assumption that those who are highly leveraged also have low levels of reserves.

The jobs have been outsourced, urban decay, ect.

Loved EXP from day 1 and feel like a bum for not buying at $3 a stock.Didn't like the fact that Glenn has a huge stake and can do what he likes.Also, wasn't 100% convinced that the "multi-level" marketing model wouldn't eventually come down like a house of cards...CiaoJust imagine the scenario, seller at Home A is only willing to give 2% buyer commision.Re/MAX charges 2.5% ; so 0.5% is coming from buyer pocket.EXP Team Fast is charging 2.0%, no out of pocket from buyer pocketExp Team "very negotiable" is charging flat fee, maybe less than 1.5% in practical matter.Now why on earth buyer does not want to work with  Exp Team "very negotiable" LOL Also, sometimes the seller agent could also offer buyer agent from the same broker and offering 1%, for example.As of company performance, ReMAX transaction per agent already went down a lot in 2023.I think this industry is decaying, lot of realtor would just switch jobs , too many beginner realtors because barrier of entry is too easy. 

These days US is decaying so fast with skyrocket crimes and people that doesn't understand "culture".In other hands Asia country and even Middle East is enjoying higher status due to their "work hard" culture.30 years and the condition is truly opposite.Only the strength of US Dollar is still shielding US from total chaos.

Will the un-freezing of the market in September and the flood of inventory be enough to counter-act those positive forces? 

Because you'll be living in the property, you'll be able to quickly identify and respond to maintenance tasks/repairs (plus, living at the property will teach you about the property's various quirks and patterns that will help you manage it more effectively in the future when you move out...experts know that properties are almost like living entities, in the sense that they have patterns of problems, decay, etc.

The combination of rotting food, rat droppings, and general decay was overwhelming.

What are the chances of depopulation/decay hurting your prospects?