I sought counsel upon discovery of the IRS lien (after the auction and with my deposit on the line), followed the advice to contact IRS to see if they'd release the lien or buy my position, and the IRS released the lien against the property.I could speculate as to why, but it would be only that, speculation. 

I would caution you to speculate in these "up and coming markets". 

It comes down to speculating v. investing as it does in so many areas of life.

I don't think most of these apply, some just work for something just to feed the family. i have those lines myself, but i won't recommend them extending to a client, its a risk for me if they don't pay up on time. if i do, i would probably escrow the money or some sort of deposit the money to my supplier (never tried that, just speculating). having up front is not such a bad thing, as long as it is spent within 3 days, i would prefer to pay the supplier myself if its 10k or more, that way i could establish record for their company too and in future, i get a good discount matrix.

Buying for appreciation is highly speculative, capital intensive and its outcome is anything but guaranteed.

This is speculation, but it is still a perfectly valid business model IF the balance of your situation/portfolio supports it.

I understand that the Beltline is coming and Annie E Casey is supposed to bring development but that seems like pure speculation at this point. 

Hey Joe,Expenses included the inspection fee but that was speculative anyways.

That to me is really more a way to tie up the land for a long time, speculating on future development, than an agricultural business.While I think the community gardens can be great for a neighborhood, and a few people are making money growing niche agricultural products, I don't see urban farming as something that will employ large numbers of people or consume a large proportion of Detroit's vacant land.

I can only speculate, but the insurance company can drop your coverage or deny a claim for violating the agreement you have with them.