Hi Friends,So....as an out of state investor investigating my next market, Chicago has made it to my short list. 

Also, if you have a crawl space, I would investigate for a ladybug nest down there, and spray down there as well. 

That will allow you to have a bit more of a directed investigation in your search. 

upon further investigation, I have realized that the homeowner doesn't realize she is under water. 

We haven't nailed down a specific city yet as we are investigating the options.

There are a few follow up invoices for the additional investigations that were required due to the initial findings.  

Johnny, as the buyer in general you definitely need a lawyer, preferably one who mainly does real estate.And in this particular case you need one because s/he will probably be the one to contact the various agencies involved to get payoff numbers for releasing the liens (RI Housing, RI Division of Taxation, IRS, Providence tax collector).Of course, before you get an attorney involved you should probably try to get a rough idea of what the #s are for each of the liens, by talking to the seller, just to find out if the deal still makes sense.If you know how to do it, you should also do a preliminary title search yourself first to double check the #s the seller is giving you - though with the RI state lien, they unfortunately don't put the amount owed on the recorded document.You might also find other things that the seller forgot to mention, such as violations or executions or even other owners he forgot to mention (that would need to sign off on the sale and amount, if applicable).I hope that makes sense and is helpful - and of course welcome to Bigger Pockets :)

There are many aspects and factors to explore, and a few of the major ones that should be investigated include industry growth and job relocation scenarios, major employers/schools in the area including hospitals, universities, and the average days on market for rentals.

You can file a complaint against him with the realtors board and they will investigate.

Usually prior to opening escrow, the buyer should have requested a preliminary title report where title company would advise buyer of it's ability to issue a title insurance policy on the property (or not).