http://www.trulia.com/voices/Market_Conditions/How_do_illegal_and_or_overcrowded_rental_propertie-74462What are good, empirical sources of information on this topic?en-ushttp://www.trulia.com/voices/profile/Real_Estate_Pro-Des_Moines_IA-482247/http://www.trulia.com/voices/profile/Real_Estate_Pro-Des_Moines_IA-482247/Everything in a neighborhood contributes or detracts from the value of the whole. That is partly why cities have building codes, zoning and why tax supported enforcement agencies are important for all of us. Most cities have specific building officials who work with neighborhood groups, and sometimes the health departments, police department or any other agencies to keep neighborhoods safe from slum lords or land bankers who don't care how their investments affect anyones else's property. If you have questions about properties, the Polk County Assessors web-site is one of the best in the country. Also, the city building and zoning officials will help you track negligent owners to help neighborhoods get these problem properties either repaired or removed. Don't forget that the squeeky wheel usually gets noticed, eventually!Fri, 22 May 2009 11:21:37 -0700