Both are VERY familiar with the machinations of the bad actors in the Real Estate field.It really is a problem that should NOT have every occurred and because it was certainly very prevalent, here in NYC especially, you will create leaders who will want to put a stop on these kinds of bad actors.It's very similar in the way that we should not abandon our Allies as you will create more enemies.In this case, the Rent-Controlled Renters are our Allies but they felt abandoned, at least, here in NYC.Again, these bad actors have also made it difficult for me to maximize my own profits on legitimate Market Rate Buildings as they illegally added market rate supply of buildings that should not have become Market rate.IF they did not get away with their bad behavior, I would have certainly have done even better than I have already done over the last 21 years I have been investing in NYC Real Estate.To me, these bad actors stole my profits and opportunities as a result of shifting the mindset of the renter class to be anti-Landlord while they reaped the illegal gains.Again, I am not saying ALL Landlords are bad.... but certainly "All Landlords are Good" is untrue.AND, as I pointed out, many of the bad landlords controlled a significant share of rent controlled apts to make a difference in our political atmosphere.We are in our potential Universal Rent Control situation for a reason that could have been prevented.

It is typically not reasonable that you would have two second homes in the same vacation area and there are now more technological advances to prevent this from happening. 

., that would prevent me from literally just switching the physical letters on my doors and mailboxes?

If the lowest grade can be raised to the BFE or higher without violating residence codes (most require soil be a certain distance away from your lowest floor to prevent moisture wicking, rot, critters, and termites), then you may be eligible to get an exception from FEMA called a LOMA - if you are successful the LOMA essentially states the property is out of the flood zone and you will get normal flood premiums.Summary: Government backed loans require the buyer to use FEMA premiums for flood zones, they will be high, and cannot be shopped through private flood insurance.

This is a crucial step that is misunderstood and prevents so many from ever reaching financial freedom.

I sent money in on August 15 and it was redeemed on September 4....hmmmThis official has requested that I send in my copy of the Tax Certificate Sale and they will refund my money...no interest.Is there something I could have done to prevent this?

The Capitalistic force that is America PLUS the evolution and disruption of technology in Real Estate will be the major challenges preventing such as a ban. 

While I get that it needs to show that the loan is covered and not an issues, just a couple thousand more higher (still below top end of the house) would have prevented this.

I can set min and max temps (I have 68 min during AC use), they have different levels that you can lock out to prevent someone changing them, but I've never used this option.

I had a new home built in 2014 and it happened there, too.Yes, it is their responsibility to wipe up that water and prevent mold.