HOUSTON -- Real estate is supposed to be one of the best investments money can buy. However, when a condominium buyer tried to purchase some property using eBay, the investment cost him his life savings.

Roosevelt Roberts came across a condo at the Candlelight Trails complex on Desoto Drive while surfing the Internet. And at $9,100, he thought he had made a pretty good deal, so he bought the property sight unseen.

Only problem, the condo complex had been condemned by the City of Houston a year ago. A visit to the complex shows it's been neglected and in places falling apart.

The entire complex was shut down for “deplorable living conditions.”

Not something Roberts saw in the photos that had been posted on eBay.

“I had seen the pictures placed on e-Bay and then I went to see the property. (It was) awful. Awful,” said Roberts.

So, he asked for his money back from Dallas-based Hilton Head Properties.

“They just have me the runaround and then they said they were going to sue me for slander,” Roberts said if his frustration in trying to get his money back from Hilton Head.

The company did not return 11 News calls seeking comment about Roberts' complaint.

They did send Roberts an e-mail that said he couldn't be helped and that his money would not be refunded. The company said too that any future contact should be done through his attorney.

While the property owners did not respond to 11 News, Houston Mayor Bill White did.

“The owners, different owners (from when the buildings were condemned a year ago) have not made improvements in the property. There's legal wrangling going on, so I told the city attorney to prepare papers to see if we can get this thing demolished,” said White.

When told of Roberts' plight, the mayor was direct.

“Well, they better (have disclosed) everything that's gone on,” said White. “They better disclose the fact that this was ordered to be shut down by the City of Houston.”