Words like, "hoping", "wonder if", and "lost", (your words) are not words investors use.  

It's a massive reduction in lost wealth.

He claims that is none of my business since the city owns it.While it is true the city does control the first 25 ft of property I am the one who will have to replace and repair any lawn damage, and i would be responsible to keep it mowed. 

I strongly dislike the continued pressure of HomeAway to be in control of property for which they have contributed nothing and want to position myself with data and system independent of them but one which is compatible with HomeAway and is inexpensive. 

I'm at a lost right now on what to do next??

The regulations have gone out of control and the storm water management alone will run into the 10's of thousands.

Remember you don't have to own a property to control it.Download BP’s newest book here some good due diligence in Chapter 10.

I have lost quite abit of deals as well, most recently my old tenant called because there mother died and they asked if I would be interested in purchasing .

You would think though that as far as rentals go that because the inventory is less (homes lost to Sandy) that demand would exceed supply and push prices up. 

I like to consider, "Do I have enough cash reserves, short term paper investments, and access to cheap lines of capital (not credit cards) to survive 6 months if I lost my job and my vacancy rate went to 50%?"