I drive by them daily.  

Your asking a very broad and complex question that a lot of smart (and not so smart) minds ponder daily.

Cost me a couple bucks but at least I won't think about it daily and let it ruin my sleep.Thanks for the replies! 

I want to assign work and go about my daily business.

@Dave Haller The other problem with venting into the attic is the potential moisture.  

Scott The Book on Flipping Houses, The Book on Estimating ReHab Costs http://www.biggerpockets.com/flippingbookYou might consider calling daily the MLS expired listings great source of potential listing referrals and wholesale deals.Download BP’s newest book here some good due diligence in Chapter 10.

I deal with both sides on a daily basis and see good and bad in both.  

They added a moisture barrier, replaced downspouts and extensions, and regraded the land within 6 feet of the house to divert water away from the foundation.Numbers:$60k asking price.Revenue: $825/mo rent.Expenses: $95/mo taxes, $50/mo insurance, $65/mo prop mgmt. + $40/mo re-leasing fee, $100/mo rep&maint.We can buy either in cash or 20% down.

I have about 30k seed money available to me right now (not including money I have set aside for daily expenses) and would like to add another 30k in new credit card money.  

I also do not know the reason and am left to conjecture that it may be due to the effort to make a place comfortable and familiar or a need for certainty and routine in their daily living.