It's an important part of the story, vital IMO, and it will have it's affect on real estate too.So then the question becomes, the one we are all trying to answer, how does one respond rationally to an irrational world?

viewer=GISNET_Public.GIS-NET_PublicGIS maps will usually allow you to select "layers" including an overlay of the existing zoning districts.

@Benjamin Cowles a homeowners policy would respond to most of the situations you list above.As a added layer of protection, ask the contractors to add you as an Additional Insured on their General Liability and Work Comp policies. 

This is the required administrative layer for contributions/distributions and annual reporting.  

Vicki, as for why you would have a holding company, it's because it puts an extra layer of limited liability between a potential plaintiff and your assets.  

That did not really lead to anybody motivated.I was wondering what other websites you guys were using when pulling lists that might have another layer of motivation (pre foreclosure...etc) ?

The exposed aggregate is not due to (most likely but could be wrong) the top worn layer but was the original look.

Years ago I was doing a flip in Seattle and there was a house down the street that was boarded up but I could look through the boards and I saw old sheetrock, some deteriorating plywood and some scraps laying around some saw horses and a thick layer of dust.

If all of that wasn't enough for you your situation adds another layer to the mix as you are actually living in the same building as them.

It is vital that you set the tone that this kind of behavior is not going to be tolerated, you're not their friend or mother.