If a large percentage of the population is struggling financially do they have trouble affording rent and avoid it?

Health and safety comes first. 

@Bryan Milian1- One month of market research on major metro areas2- Two weeks of talking to leading agents in your top 3 markets3- Four weeks of learning the markets4- Offer, offer, offer- stick to fundamentals...long-term buy-and hold small MF (your available cash will be the number one factor in determining what you can afford and what locations you will end up buying in...you'll be comparing apples to apples in your top 3 markets...as long as you have a top agent, you'll be golden)Best of luck 

Coli and the health department recommended adding bleach to it. 

Folk are moving out that way for its affordability.

A nonconforming use is a use of land, buildings, or structures that was lawfully established prior to the effective date of this ordinance, or any amendment thereto, but which does not conform to the regulations for the zoning classification in which it is located.Nonconforming uses may be continued subject to the following limitations:a) No nonconforming use shall be extended, expanded, enlarged, or moved to occupy a different or greater area of land, buildings or structures than was occupied by such use at the time it became nonconforming; provided, however, a nonconforming use may be extended throughout any parts of a building which were specifically designed and arranged for such use at the time it became nonconforming.b) No building or structure devoted to a nonconforming use shall be enlarged, extended, recon­structed, moved, or structurally altered unless such building or structure is thereafter devoted to a conforming use; provided, however, such building or structure may be enlarged or extended upon prior authorization from the Board of Adjustment, which authorization shall not be granted unless the Board of Adjustment makes each of the following findings of fact:1) The proposed enlargement or extension shall be de minimis in relation to the existing building or structure.2) The proposed enlargement or extension shall not increase the intensity of the nonconforming use, which is to say, it will not result in an increase in dwelling units for a residential use nor in gross floor area for a nonresidential use.3) The proposed enlargement or extension is designed so that it will not render the use of the property any less compatible than it is in its existing circumstances.4) The authorization of such proposed enlargement or extension is not otherwise contrary to the public health, safety or welfare.c) A nonconforming use of a structure may not be changed to another nonconforming use unless such change is authorized by the Board of Adjustment.

I'll be doing the vast majority of the work (at a professional level) myself so I can afford to throw some more $$$ towards materials to really make the building stand out.

If you’ve got the funds in the HELOC and can afford the payments that should be fine.  

Health and safety issues are the main concern. 

Very affordable and small/family-owned.