I'm an out of state investor, but very familiar with Philly and have a team of ten years on the ground.

If you can use some one to help you with photos comps or just any ground work please let me assist you.

There's definitely not enough space, or time, to get into all the facets here, but in general, ground up development is a very expensive and time consuming process.  

@Matthew Paul I understand if its ground zero by all means she should stay home and I'm not familiar with the city so use your best judgement but i just hope everyone who works at the hospital doesn't decide to stay home because than anyone who needs the hospital would be in a a lot of trouble but use your best judgement and im only so interested in the whole topic because baltimore has always been an interest to me... i drove through many times going down south and stopped for lunch a few times...Also i would consider some of the leaders of the groups of looters (if there organizing lookouts and conspiring these "strategic looting and scattering throughout the city") terrorist.... its a harsh word but really thats what they are by some standards taking advantage and using fear or terror to there advantage..... and WTF are they looting from a CVS??

In other words, is it normal and acceptable to "hit the ground running" in this way, or is the accepted practice to have the apartment finished before starting the tenant search/screening/rental app process?  

It's risky and takes select people to partner with as your boots on the ground but can be done.

Oh, also, insurance for these is only offered by a very limited number of providers - the most common policy is a renter's policy, which will not cover the structure burning to the ground or flooding.

Also, White Collar workers that are attracted to Downtown Detroit have  major footprint in Oakland County already, its just natural once people "establish" themselves they look into Oakland County.Livonia will probably feel a large uptick but lots of Western Wayne Cities will become a Detroit dumping ground, at least until you get to Canton, Plymouth, Northville areas which will become even more exclusive.

Portlandia same thing.. we broke ground on 23 new builds this week... last year this time those same homes sold in the 360 to 380k range.. this year 430 to 450k... same lot same home ( a little better location to be fare). deals we did in Texas went backwards.. project exits in the mid 500's never got there.. have one now projected at 400 we are at 350k... so in my mind regional for sure.  

That said, there is one PM in Saint John, who is quite good should you find yourself in need of one in that city.When investing outside of Fredericton, I've tended to find local boots on the ground (another investor) with whom to partner.