“We’ve got a very large number of properties that are owned by out-of-state-investors — speculators,” Hoffman said.

In Garrity’s case, Hoffman worked with the Marine Villa neighborhood association — which had targeted several vacant lots on that block of Chippewa for action — to identify who was behind the LLC that owned the house. Two days after sending a letter warning of legal action to the registered agent, a man from Colorado contacted him and offered to donate the property to the neighborhood association. The neighborhood association found a willing rehabber in Garrity and donated it to him.

“Any type of legal pressure can have a positive outcome,” Hoffman said.

Tipping Point: A legacy of neglect A series looking at the consequences of decades of disinvestment in St. Louis. See all related stories at stltoday.com/tippingpoint

Demand for Hoffman’s services has grown quickly since he came to town after running a similar problem property legal clinic in Kansas City. He’s opened more than 25 cases and filed over 10 lawsuits on behalf of a handful of neighborhoods against absentee landlords as far-flung as England and Israel. Legal Services may be adding another lawyer focused on vacancy soon, and Hoffman said the vacancy effort is always looking for pro bono time from area lawyers.