I generally agree with Russell but given the numbers in your situation and the City tax rate, if you're even moderately successful it could be worth the effort, especially if you can do it yourself.http://www.dat.maryland.gov/realproperty/Pages/Assessment-Appeal-Process.aspx describes the process and the things the department will consider (as well as what it considers irrelevant).

Check with the city building inspection department. 

Contact their REO department.

I asked him what was his secret and he told me that all his properties were extremely well taken care off and extremely clean, so he didn't had a lot of competition since pretty much everyone else rents very low quality departments with too many issues. 

Their "customer service" department literally told me to "Man-up and take the loss." 

If the strip mall is in the same county as Springfield, Il then you may want to check out the interactive mapping applications published by your local GIS department.  

I spoke to the my city's Planning and Zoning department and they told me they do not think it would be approved for either commercial or neighborhood commercial.

I had a tenant threaten to set my building on fire,, I called the fire department and they sent out a truck with a fire chief on board, he didn't take it lightly told the guy it was a felony act he was threatening and with that report I had the guy evicted for cause , a quick expedited court hearing and out in quick time.. 

I would get the address of the house and check with the public records office(I believe that is the correct office) or if you struggle finding what city department then try and talk to a real estate agent or ask another investor on BP or at a meeting what you should do.

This isn't searchable online but is still convenient: If you receive info on a house (the address is needed) about being a possible foreclosure, and want to know its status, you can either search online or call the county tax department to get the owner's name(s) which is needed for when you call the foreclosure department (press "0" to speak with someone in that department).