How to navigate bureaucracy in construction permit process?

[Tongcheng Li]

Had a terrible experience from the Bureaucratic Practice by a local city building department. I believe as real-estate investors, especially working on bigger rehab projects, we want to (1) avoid properties located in highly bureaucratic cities; (2) find a way to navigate the bureaucratic practice in the permit process. Any ideas / best-practices to:

(1) Vet the level of bureaucracy in a city before investing there?

(2) Finding local experts who might help in navigating bureaucracy?

Much thanks!