In spite of all that there's some gorgeous homes there screaming to be restored to their former glory.

It's just bad...Now - this may be the highest and best use of one's time in-spite of low efficiency.

The thing is, I believe there are pockets in and around this city and (other cities, I'm sure) where maybe because of a business or social service enterprise etc rents in these pockets can "defy" or thrive in spite of "stagnated incomes" that you pointed out.

The landlord said we would be charged for a prorated portion of the carpet since it apparently smelled of dog in spite of the fact that I got it professionally cleaned.

You may not be able to purchase conventionally for some time because your job situation is ending...this is in spite of the fact that you might be using the GI Bill and have a source of "income." 

Also, had to spend a small fortune on hvac as they did not maintain in spite of lease requiring it.

You get to see the kinds of things that end up in UD court in spite of good lease agreements and tenant screening.  

BL: If your numbers make sense in spite of no docs, don't talk yourself out of the deal.

In spite of the more limited pool of buyers for quads, it sure seems like there's a ton of investors out in Texas right now based on how everything we're looking at is getting multiple offers.

In spite of some bad press regarding a few zones that probably shouldn't have been included (Parts of New York City, downtown Portland, etc) and in spite of the OZ legislation being labelled as 'Trump' program, it genuinely is a bi-partisan program.