Alabama is one of the lowest property tax states; however, Huntsville specifically has appreciated rapidly over the past 10 years, so assessed values are artificially low... and a re-assessment will result in huge property tax numbers vs. in-place numbers. 

- How to assess renovation costs? 

It seems that you both did what you could - you, by advising to shut the door and that you would be out to assess the situation/secure the property as soon as you are able and your tenant, by making sure the door is shut. 

HUD assess the market area and sets maximum rental rates that are available for subsidy.

A property that cashflows $200/mo is a negative cashflow property with one bad ac unit, 6 weeks of vacancy or any of a dozen other things you will encounter.

In in New Orleans and did a flip property, a duplex in an area that used to be pretty bad, but has gotten better. Apparently, the fact that we re-did the "problem" house on the block, made a tremendous change in t...

When figuring out how much to offer, can I use the tax assessment as a somewhat valid appraisal on the current value of the house before repairs?

Send them a letter (not yellow letter because they are getting dozens of them) telling them you found their house to be apparently vacant.

Send them a letter (not yellow letter because they are getting dozens of them) telling them you found their house to be apparently vacant.

Details are required to make assessment.