The reason is the purchase price tends to be smaller and they are all highly unique and one off type deals.When you get into the larger deals in price (millions) things are more systematized and the level of investors are repeat sellers and buyers instead of one off deals.The small stuff can be okay in rural towns where things are a one stop shop and you mix in big and small.

They have not sold it to just anyone because they didn't want it to be another cookie cutter mountain top community.( I am looking to put in a Co-housing Community)So the return on investment is more from the stance of putting my name to something unique to my area & something I am passionate about.

Here, the restrictions aren't too bad as to residential, if they are on a federal register you may have other issues.The market is so unique that values may not be impacted at all by local market fluctuations, economic conditions or other factors that usually influence other homes, at least here.

Very unique last name.

Once the calls start coming in, make your way back to these forums to ask the unique questions you encounter. :) If you want to learn more, search google for Cris Chico or Joe McCall.

My experience is not unique.

However, I am in a unique situation where I will be rotating every 18-24 months to a new city for the next 5-6 years, and currently live in South Baltimore.

All of the "distressed" ones in South Florida have their unique problems.I saw one a month ago on the MLS in Riverside Park that had a fire hazard.

Finishing "Getting to Yes" and next up is "The Smart Executor's Guide For Cash-Poor Estates" by Bigger Pockets own Rick H.

There are some good books on negotiating such as Getting to Yes and Influence that I would definitely recommend reading.