I found an interesting website that is designed to help inform Buyers and Renters about good and bad neighbors/neighborhoods before they buy or rent. Check it out here:
www.rottenneighbor.com
I don't know how useful it will be until more people find and use it, but it's an interesting idea. Also, I think it's a bit misleading in their FAQ where I found the statement "Real estate agents will never tell you about bad neighbors". Let me make a few comments on this statement:
First, as it reads, this statement is a lie. As a Real Estate Agent, I have personally pointed out bad neighbors (or their yards, cars, etc.) to potential Buyers. However, the truth is that unless it is clearly visible that a neighbor is a "bad neighbor", Real Estate Agents usually don't know about them. How would they unless they lived in the home they are selling? Sellers don't generally share the negative information about the "lovely" home they are trying to sell. Next, it is important to know who the Real Estate Agent represents. Buyer's Agents are supposed to look out for the Buyers' best interests. So, if you have a good Buyer's Agent, they will almost always point out "bad neighbors" if they are aware of them. However, Listing Agents work for the Sellers... thus they must look out for the Seller's best interests. Even so, Listing Agents seldom know about "bad neighbors" for the aforementioned reasons. So, in summary, even if they happened to know about a "bad neighbor", Listing Agents are often obligated NOT to disclose these to potential Buyers who they do not represent. Let me be clear: they are not allowed to lie, but in looking out for the Seller's best interest, they are generally obligated not to share such information freely. Ask yourself, would I want my Listing Agent running around telling people I had a "bad neighbor" while trying to sell my home?
This brings me to my final question: What is a "bad neighbor"? While you might consider this someone with dogs that bark too much, I might love to hear animals frolicking. I might hate pink flamingos while you might think these are beautiful additions to a neighbor's lasndscaping. Hopefully, this website will allow more information to circulate so that Buyers and Renters can make these decisions for themselves... before they buy or rent (if it doesn't cause a war of words or some hurt feelings first).

Ryan Cave, The "Caveman"
Truth, Honor & Personal Integrity
214-789-9366
www.CaveRealty.com