To the best of my knowledge though, many such houses were left empty to rot, not used for more productive purposes.
I doubt this. Foreclosed houses go to auction and generally someone else buys them. The only time the house would be left vacant is if the house is worthless (either due to location or damage).
I doubt this. Foreclosed houses go to auction and generally someone else buys them. The only time the house would be left vacant is if the house is worthless (either due to location or damage).