And you don't take into consideration costs of operating/maintaining these properties out of state which will be much higher. 

(I've found one that has run-down homes next to well maintained ones, probably in a 50/50 ratio).

There is no doubt that it can melt further and it is possible that 7500 will be seen as a goal to attain and not a baseline to maintain.Although the government-financial sector are creating more money out of thin air by the minute and lending this to people (called injecting "liquidity into the economy") , the people will have to be really stupid to go back into the debt trap by taki g the bait of easy credit.Even Obama realises that he has to find some other issue than the economy to maintain a positive media image, nuclear weapons.

Have your kids do the laundry, wash the cars, mow the lawns(where you maintain a home office) etc.

Redemption amount does give the purchaser reimbursement of amounts that are paid out for insurance and taxes, as well as maintaining the property. 10% interest is an annualized rate.There is a saying "let sleeping dogs lie" - it applies to properties where there are redemption rights.

It's a historical building (which means 1/2 off my taxes) with four well-maintained units that have been consistently occupied and I'm cash positive each month (about $900 before taxes etc).

It looks reasonably well maintained and could probably be up and running for less than the cost of filling it in.

All contractors are required to "file a Preliminary Notice within 20 days after starting work to maintain their lien rights."

Yes you could setup a Wimax network over your whole acreage but again you have to maintain it.

Asbestos was used in many materials throughout buildings - stucco; window putty; asbestos-cement shingles, pipes, and flues; pipe, duct, and vessel insulation; sheet vinyl flooring; drywall joint compound (so over much of the drywall surface); plaster; floor tile (all sizes); flooring, mirror, ceiling tile, and other mastics; roofing; plastic roof cement; roof coatings; acoustic ceiling texture; ceiling tile; and more.Lead-based paint coated with non-lead-based paint in good condition is less of an issue, as long as it is maintained, and is not damaged or disturbed, as by repair and renovation work, or deterioration.