They didn't have permits or codes enforced when my current home was built, still not burned down. 

Numbers wise, I'd need a $75/sq.ft. builder on an improved (all site work, including septic and water taps provided) and permitted lot I would provide and my target would be $120/sq.ft. retail.

How do I find out why it is condemned and any extra hoops to bring it back to life?

I received a quote for $760yr thats  380 extra each house. 

At Portland's average rent it would take about two years to collect enough extra rent to cover the fee.The felon thing is dumb too.

And an extra few grand a week could jump start my investing.

In return they would ask me….”Well what if I did this to the house and that to the house (spending thousands of dollars in extra’s to the house), how much could I get in rent then”, and it never ceased to amaze me, how they looked at me when I told them that they would still get $750.00 a month.

Otherwise you get to pay extra fees and such.Also, there are countless threads here on BP about LLCs, which states to open them in, etc.

What about apathy & too busy, taking an extra month to turn a unit? 

I heard you can manage up to three properties that are not yours without a license or permit.