I actually rent some commercial space downtown Ashland, the hair salon next to Nicks Pizza.

Distressed properties used to be a dime-a-dozen in Florida, now they are drying up.

Hi Sam,I'm in the same boat as you....that is, learning, reading, listening all that I can (for free, which is cool), but still haven't made my first purchase other than the house I currently own and live in (i.e. not an actual investment property).I live in Jacksonville and have been scouring the market this summer, drove by some properties today in fact (they weren't what I was looking for, though).I'll say that it's drying up a bit, but I don't mean to dissuade you at all, in fact I think there are still tons of great deals out there (here), but the time is now.

You might have to find a small type catch all brokerage that dabbles in residential and small time commercial.These types of firms do residential and a few land sales and occasionally a small gas station or inherited type small building commercial.For the experts that only do one asset class the small deals like this do not make sense as they typically have a lot of (hair) on the deal meaning many issues to work through.

In addition to damage to floors, grass, woodwork and walls, we've learned that dog hair can cause problems for hvac units and bath tub drains.

Basically, the market goes dry both in supply and demand.

If the house is old and you haven't done repairs, chances are its just the spackle drying up, someone did a crappy job at sanding it. 

landromats are huge tacky turnoff to neighborhoods.. unless well kept and dry cleaner operated included.

(We had a slab foundation but I would imagine pier and beam with wood subfloors and floors would dry just like the framing will).

Be sure your house is completely dry via moisture readings all around before you treat for mold and hang sheet rock.I would also advise you to hire a profession to spray for mold and get a certificate.