The costs to build are too high, and until fuel prices drop and the environmental regulations are toned down, that won't change, meaning existing housing will continue to go up.

You should have masks with you at all times for environmental pollutants when looking at hoarder houses - animal feces, dead animals, asbestos, gas, etc.As for protocol, hoarder houses are not an easy buy because if the resident is still there it's not a money issue, it's an emotional issue.

Personally, I am avoiding those markets for now just for a sustainability and environmental outlook, but I would overestimate for insurance premiums, almost 2x what you think just so you have a buffer.

My siblings and I are building a home in North Port, FL.Here are the numbers:Finished Home Value: $412KishLand Cost: $19,750.39Construction & Permitting Costs: $304,897Additional costs: - Environmental Site Assessment - General Liability Insurance - Builders Risk Insurance - Construction FinancingWe will be listing the home this weekPhotos coming soon!!

Fees for new construction , between capitol connections , impact fees , environmental fees , engineering fees , etc  you CANT build AFFORDABLE housing .   

I would be reluctant if it were a gas station or other environmentally challenged property though). 

Changing the tractor's oil in the driveway was another favorite: keeps the dust down in the summer.The developer risk is if that solid ever gets tested (phase one or phase two environmental study) you may have to dispose of it as toxic waste, which is super expensive.

For example, I’m doing three side by side duplexes and it’s costing me $135 psf, but I had to spend an extra $10k per foundation because of bad soil, and the smaller the property the higher the cost psfI’m working on a 28 unit with elevator, demo required, green roof, and it’ll cost me around the same psf as the duplexes.I’m doing three side by side triplexes which are full renovations, basement digout, all new facades, and that’s costing me about $106 psf for construction Non of these numbers include architecture, geotech, MEPS, environmental, utility plan, or finance costs

About 25 years ago I purchased an auto repair facility out of bankruptcy court that had an environmental problem.  

Bought an auto repair shop for 30% of value because of environmental problem.