Yes, the grass gets long and the weeds get tall. When city code enforcement informs the investment firm they are in violation, they just ignore the notices. The city then contracts to a 3rd party to bring the property into compliance. The city then places a lein on the property, that also gets ignored until the property sells. The city's cut is the interest accrued on the money they paid to the 3rd party and the fines. It's very profitable for the cities, so the wheels just keep on turning...