I have talked with numerous Real Estate agents and they all seem to have never faced anything like this.

The issues that you mentioned - homelessness, decriminalization of drug use, etc - don't have a lot to do with larger trends in the rental and ownership markets and if anything city and state officials see rising homelessness as a direct result of the incredible strong rental market over the past decade.

I know when I've run the numbers often there isn't enough margin to improve the property and get out with a profit.BTW: you've given me a lot to think about.

We have tried everything to settle this in a friendly manner, however in the fall the tenant communicated verbal threats numerous times.

Hey Christopher, Making that first leap can be daunting,  I found the best way to minimize *some* of the mistakes is to analyze numerous properties before you pull the trigger. 

I'm in the process of pricing out buildings for the covered areas but my plan was to open the facility as a simple outdoor lot to start bringing in some cash flow up front.

I have successfully completed cash out refinances here numerous times.

They can also tell you the ideal area and lot to purchase to make these costs as low as possible.

There is a lot to consider.  

Thanks a lot to everyone who clicked on the post and them who helped me.