It's impressive that you secured a deal like this with no renovations and turned it around the same day.

I did not want to sell it, and I saw the value in holding on to this property.

So it is not impossible.

I’m curious to hear from other investors who have ventured into flooded properties such as what challenges did you face, particularly with insurance and permitting?

Currently own my home and two other properties which I do STR and LTR in.

Even if someone gives you the lay of the land, you would still want to go there to see for yourself, just as you would definitely have someone come check out Dorchester to see what they consider safe and not safe.

As obviously it needs to be fixed. 

How did you find this deal and how did you negotiate it?

Those buying close to the city are either breaking even or taking negative cashflow and banking on appreciation (or buying all cash and parking money, ha).If you do consider Lowell, I'd also recommend you check out the Fitchburg/Leominster area as well.

I do like the Wilmore/Southend area.