The city went to investigate my property, and found there were no issues with the bird feeder or the claim it was increasing roof rat activity in the neighborhood. 

.), I would certainly investigate buying subject to any existing mortgage or get the seller to carry a note on any property owned free and clear.

No it's simply a highly obervant person who has minimum competency in the building type you are investigating and can communicate with you in an effective manner what they have found and what it means for you.I know blah blah blah.  

@Dante Nava your working as a private investigator is how I look at the overage lost money type of work... and your right its time consuming and you will need lexus nexus to chase down people and next of kin..

I came across this site while investigating a R.E. guru that has many products, promises, and guarantees for sale.

Since then, they've steadily increased to a high in January 2018 of 3,866.The city has 25 open STR investigations.

But I'd encourage you to keep looking because there are still the rare treasures out there and you learn from each one you investigate even if it doesn't work out.

The deed in lieu sounds like it might be worth investigating.  

You don't want to be that guy who gets investigated for loan fraud.  

Just investigating this space but I have a reasonable amount of cash to invest within the next 6mo so I'm trying to educate myself.