Mostly the big cities of course, Vancouver, Toronto, Sydney, Auckland, etc so do be careful what you buy.

Of course, I don't know the details of the property that you are looking at and THIS IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE, but generally the complexity of a quiet title action following a tax sale depends on the number of defaulting taxpayers. 

But you have to weigh everything, of course, to make sure its worth it.

Second avenue is, of course, donate for tax write off.

Hello everyone, I recently attended a CRE course in my area and the education was absolutely fantastic. 

Of course, in Cali, that deck could double the value. ;-)As for permitting...

I would recommend Dominic Fonte as the realtor in the area that fits what you describe. 

This doesn't even address how people are going to fit two dumpsters on a city lot.

And of course done correctly you get stepped up basis for tax purposes then you can sell and not pay huge gains.. although you will have to talk to CPA about recapture.. or you do what a lot of folks do and 1031.. or you just live with the comfort of knowing you have millions upon millions of free and clear real estate. your grand dad is one smart guy .. 

We will of course analyze with property management in mind for when we move out into our next investment!