yea those come to mind but at the same time, it's a row home, so why wouldn't the adjoining homes be in a similar situation? the house is also on a negative sloped hill so water really should accumulate...not saying that it wouldn't but it would be less likely.
My thought is that it had horrid living conditions or there was an issue w/ water or electric.
Upon closer inspection the sign is dated from 06!!! I just can't believe it's sat for so long on the street.