So we waited until Monday for the repair, and in the meantime I shut off water, gas and electricity for that hot water heater (yes, a power vent unit needs electricity too).

Scraping with the spud scraper mentioned above is one method or you can rent a power scrapper or scarifier and get it done quick.

I want to make sure I do everything in my power to reduce property damage/delinquency.  

hello my name is mike i have been watching a property for some time now and just heard about wholesaling here are some of the detailsiam in illinois, the property is in cook county illinois the owner is in jail for 25 years he has someone as his power of attorney he property has been vacant and is in my opinion a knockdown its terrible the taxes were sold to a tax buyer in 2010 and then sold in 2011, 2012 and 2013 have not been paid there is a lein from the village for 1500 i contacted the owner in prison via letter im sure he will sell to me for really any amount my question is how can i make this a good deal?

Some developer-owners are building multifamily to the Passive House energy standard, paying tenant utilities, charging as if energy efficient, sending a tiny fraction to the power company, and banking the rest.

I am in the process of talking to lenders to get a feel of my borrowing power.  

With high dollar properties (>$500K) that works ok.Don't fear your agency, it gives you power and knowledge.

Unless you're a big developer or part of the power structure that helps define what neighborhoods will be developed I believe its a crap shoot trying to guess pre-Gentrification. 

"The truth will set you free" is such a powerful statement that practically everyone takes for granted.

Some of the things you need to understand are zoning, floodplains, floodways, legal access, easements, surveys, power access, sewer/perk, ESA, encroachments, surveys, subdivision law, and deed restrictions.