Over the years decay had set in.

These include defective construction, excessive dampness, leakage, decay, termite damage and continuing settlement. 

Are there ways to counteract this type of situation and still have the Agent and yourself come out on top?

That has left a lot of houses and entire neighborhoods rotten plugged with decaying homes but damn banks keeping raising prices so my mortgage is high And the price of rent is what I have to charge to afford mortgage and repairs. 

What are your thoughts on overall demand for an area counteracting the risk of a short term market hiccup?

My husband worries about the property value of our primary residence being affected by the continued decay of the distressed property next door, but after my quick study of the BP site and forums, I'm more worried about investing in a property that won't produce good cash flow, especially for our first buy-and-hold. 

I'm concerned with the 2/3 that is inaccessible/visible... that close to the ground... termites, decay, etc.  

Question: With a no pets policy, tenant brings a doctors note stating she medically prescribed to have a service dog to counteract anxiety condition, she moved in without a pet and knew the policy beforehand. 

When they select for the non-compliant landlords they end up hastening the decay they claimed to want to control.

http://twentytwowords.com/5-years-of-street-view-photos-show-detroits-shockingly-rapid-decay-19-pictures/