Major retailers (Target, Walmart, Best Buy) have departed the area in the last decade.

What department do I ask for and what information do I need? 

I follow this buy vs rent index so will share here, just an extra source for RE market data...latest summary:  http://business.fau.edu/departments/finance/real-e...The BH&J Index is published quarterly and is available online at http://business.fau.edu/buyvsrent. 

So, you'll be dealing with the commercial loan department at the bank or with commercial lenders.

I recommend that you print out the property appraiser page and take it to the corresponding building department to verify the properties situation.  

If there's one exterior area that the Chicago Building Department monitors closely, it's porches.  

iii.Writ of Possession - EJ-130 è 3 copies (1 for sheriff, 1 court, 1 for you)b.Once you give the completed paperwork to the clerk, you will receive the documents that you will need to take to the Sheriff's Department, Civil Division, to complete the eviction.

@John Blackman Where does the City water and sewer department want the line to run?   

They should be able to tell you if any other regulator types are involved in inspections of rental properties, like the Fire Department or Health Department, never know who is looking out for the public welfare with a hand out for some fee.Starting off, go to your public defender's office or legal aid office, inquire about services they provide for tenants and get any Tenant's Rights pamphlets they may hand out, this is a mission into enemy territory of sorts, but knowing what legal services might be available to your tenants can be very interesting.

Sometimes your foreclosure attorney can contact the bank’s legal department on your behalf if you’re still having trouble.I hope this helps!