Buffalo changes very quickly block to block (not just ZIP by ZIP) and it is crucial that you understand this prior to writing any checks. 

Given the property is located in the Poconos and the property is vacant more regularly as an STR there are proactive measures  you should  be taking such as making sure there are heating sources so that the plumbing does not freeze and ensuring there are no blocks in the plumbing lines with routine checks.

I had purposefully waited as long as I could in case it was blocked, but I figured chances were slim at this point. 

As eric pointed out, someone who lives in Phila will have to be registered as a manager of the property to obtain a rental license - usually a PMPersonally if you're looking to target SFH I would recommend: Roxborough (for 3+ bedroom - there is a large saturation for 1-2 bed apartments in area), East falls, E and W Mount airy (need to be proficient in neighborhood to know where the good and not so good blocks are, and far NE philly.

If you are trying to do this in Newark, you need to know the market of that particular set of blocks so you don't overdevelop for the farm area.

You just need someone who understands the "block-by-block" nature of the city and surrounding areas.

However I do go in slow season and I do not put in blocks. 

The bigger concern I would have is low pressure due to blocked pipes, especially to the bathrooms.

If you’re serious about buying properties and doing real estate, then I would suggest working with the CPA that understands real estate even if the services cost more than your average H&R Block or some TurboTax program you can buy.

And the truth is, it’s hard to pinpoint because Detroit is such a block-by-block city with an incredibly large footprint.