But White does see some silver lining in the situation. "If there's one thing the coronavirus pandemic is teaching us, it's that we're all in this together," he says. "We have tools to help each other through. At the moment, those tools happen to be social distancing, wearing a mask, washing hands and staying at home.

"And despite the pockets of protestors, the vast majority of Americans want to protect not only themselves but their neighbors: the old couple next door, the nurse in the apartment above, the young man down the block who continues to stock grocery store shelves."

That spirit could entice investors to look harder at OZs.

"The impulse to help during a time of national crisis is a strong one," White says. "So I think when investors are presented with a vehicle that will benefit others [in addition to their portfolios], the attraction will be there. It's a matter of educating them and getting through what can be a complicated process."

But ultimately, when funds flow into distressed communities, more jobs are created, and the salaries are better. "More people will want to relocate to these areas, which will increase real estate values and breathe new life into local shops and stores," White says. "When residents and business owners are doing well, they spend more money on beautifying their homes, storefronts, public buildings, streets, parks and monuments. The failing infrastructure will improve, crime will decrease, and better health care will be available for residents."