High levels of permits may indicate neighborhood growth and increased demand, offering clues for future investments.Connect with Contractors:Building permit lists often include contractor details.

They talked about their list and indicated that people they work with can get it.  

Furthermore, the report does not indicate any clogging.

Start-up costs are also deductible but are amortized over 15 years with a limit of 5k.Start-up costs have strict rules and your case might not be the same as this one.Case Summary:Timeline line of eventsStarted investigating property: FebPut first contract (canceled): MayBought first property: December 30thWhether a taxpayer is engaged in a trade or business is determined using a facts and circumstances test under which courts have focused on the following three factors that indicate the existence of a trade or business:Whether the taxpayer undertook the activity intending to earn a profit;Whether the taxpayer is regularly and actively involved in the activity; andWhether the taxpayer's activity has actually commenced.On the basis investor testimony, we may assume that he undertook this activity to make a profit and that he regularly and actively engaged in it.

And while Pennsylvania State Inheritance is typically also not recorded, all 67 Pennsylvania Recorder of Deeds are instructed to collect the tax if there is any indication that the property owner is deceased.

It doesn't necessarily mean the PM will be great, but it will mean they cared enough to put effort forward and that's a good indicator. 

It will also indicate who owns them or if there is an easement. 

There are many factors to consider when investing in any market, such as economic indicators, price point and level of rehab necessary, exit strategies, and risk tolerance to name a few.

Your first comment regarding attending city commission meetings seems to indicate that you are referring to affordable housing under state statues (i.e income and other federal/state restrictions).  

Replacing cast-iron piping can be costly and labor-intensive, and while the mixed plumbing indicates previous updates, you might want to get an estimate from a plumber to understand the full scope and cost of replacing all cast-iron pipes with PVC.