I wasn't in real estate during any of the past recessions so I was wondering what do real estate investors do during a declining market?

We politely decline the offer without any counter offer.

Definitely not a gentrifying area, in fact this area has been on the decline for a long time.  42nd and post is THE worst area in Indy.  

I'm sure you wouldn't buy stock in a company that had declining sales, is losing money and employees are leaving in droves but is in your backyard.

I was en route to Law School as recently as 2 weeks ago but varying circumstances has led me to decline that option as I believed it would ultimately slow down my true goal, which was investing into real estate rental properties as soon as possible. 

As far as economic indicators go, there are 100 cities that are comparable to Dayton...it's a lot like Cleveland in that it had a declining population for 40-years...and now appears to be stabilizing. 

Instead, she would like me to provide her with combat roach baits.Is this asthma story a viable reason to decline my attempt to immediately resolve this roach issue?  

The population has declined for years but just last year has increased.

I redid my offer for 50k below list price and he declined.

At any rate, I will respectfully decline their invite because we genuinely won't be able to attend, but I want to send some type of gift to them.