I started the year out going to some good seminars, but there were pervading feelings at these events of unease and uncertainty about what 2016 would look like economically due to the election.I went to meetings and talked to other real estate professionals who said they noticed the markets slowing and that days on market were increasing for flips.

They hold 2 Syndication events a year and have a pretty big following - as their culture and integrity in the group is amazing!

Here's the link to the meetuphttps://www.meetup.com/Roseville-Real-Estate-Investing/events/236781609/

Someone who is foreclosed upon now (a public event, because of the newspaper notices and the real estate agent yard signs afterwards) will be stigmatized by at least some of their friends, relatives and co-workers.

I've been reading and going to different investing events. 

In any event, you can't use a 1031 to buy a primary residence......could you use a 1031 for "3 out of the 4 new units", and owner occupy the 1 unit, I don't know.  

There is more to South Philadelphia then just Point Breeze and each neighborhood has it good and bads to it depending on what you are trying to accomplish.Would highly suggest attending some RCO or CDC neighborhood events as well as there zoning meetings to get a grasp of where the development is going and does it fit your wheel house.

You can also find out when the meetings are in the "Community" > "Networking Events" link on BP.

I had wondered what would happen in the event a spiteful owner signed 10 year leases for $1/mo just prior to losing a property to foreclosure.  

Have you tried any direct mail marketing, talking to wholesalers, networking events, checking public records for foreclosures, or even calling 'For Rent' signs and asking if they'd want to sell?