Here are the rules:https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/dol...I think you can also just call the zoning department and ask them their opinion.

We found out after we did rehabbed one unit, that the 2 family we bought actually is a 3 family in the building department records.

It’s for sure not in a “war zone” because I called the local police department and asked about that neighborhood.

Even if they do catch up, they are very likely to get behind again or become a problem in a different way like damages to the home or failing to clean when they depart.

If you can find the bank then I'd recommend talking to someone in their REO department about purchasing the property. 

During the Polar Vortex Cleveland had the Furnace blew up and the fire department broke into the property which was VACANT.

During the Polar Vortex Cleveland had the Furnace blew up and the fire department broke into the property which was VACANT.

During the Polar Vortex Cleveland had the Furnace blew up and the fire department broke into the property which was VACANT.

Expect to pay dearly for this .

Plus, it would take months to get a city inspector to the property, assess the value, complete a report of code violations, determine the cost to fix those violations and make the house habitable, get the potential sale approved by other city departments, then have our application reviewed - the whole process could take six months or more which didn't fit our schedule and she said we were not likely to be approved.The Homestead program no longer exists and has been replaced by the "Homegrown" Program which has much stricter terms - few houses to choose from (less than 10), higher purchase price ($6k-$50k) minimum occupancy is 10 years, all work must be completed by a licensed contractor prior to moving in, applicants must be between 50%-80% of the area median income, etc.