An out-of-state real-estate investor, identified in local media as John Williams, has placed a series of billboards across Greater Cleveland proclaiming “Yes! I Buy Crack Houses.” The high-visibility campaign, aimed at purchasing distressed properties, has drawn swift criticism from residents, community groups and rival investors who say the wording stigmatizes neighborhoods and targets vulnerable homeowners. “Never do we put the neighborhood down. Like, ‘Oh, this is a crack house right here.’ These are people who work hard every day,” one Cleveland investor told local outlets, calling the slogan disrespectful. Williams has not responded publicly to the backlash, and city officials have yet to indicate whether any regulatory steps will be taken against the advertisements.