If for some reason that is not agreeable with your tenants, then you are stuck relying on shelf liner.A few other options are: 1) let the process take its course and know that you will have issues to deal with in a few years, although these are relatively durable products assuming proper use and damage control 2) try to water proof them with a fast drying brush on lacquer product or an aerosol product (several thin coats)....never done it but don't see why it couldn't work or 3) after step 1 is complete and it has been a few years, you can sand down the bubbled up cabinet bottoms where wet plates and cups were set and put new 1/4' hardi-board????

Entities in control of those assets (banks, lenders) wanted to dispose of them at the same time that they were not really lending to people.

Remember you don't have to own a property to control it.Download BP’s newest book here some good due diligence in Chapter 10.

Remember you don't have to own a property to control it.

Remember you don't have to own a property to control it.Download BP

Remember you don't have to own a property to control it.Download BP’s newest book here some good due diligence in Chapter 10.

Remember you don't have to own a property to control it.Download BP

Assuming the typical SFR is 40-60k appraisal value and rents for 650-800; you could control SFRs all leveraged at 80/20 with 20 year amortization and would be netting 100-200 per unit (after CapEx, Vacancy, insurance, and repairs).

Town police officers are actually controlled by the executive branch of the town government, so if push comes to shove go the mayors office and complain and ask there is no officer assigned to do those kinds of cases in the entire city. 

Even if the new buyer of the sfr rehabs it may be that he can do it economically enough to hold the property until the commercial use is beneficial.If you are looking for residential use I'd be cautious as to the impact any change in the properties you do not control can have on your property.