It is just a farmer's market for real estate products. 

Are the units vintage quality with in-place rents $500/mo below current market?  

Lastly funding developer who has 3 subdivisions going in WA DC market. these are big time deals and with our funds for the soft costs  500 k to 1 mil on each project my client is going to make  sit down  but probably over 10 million net  life changing money and well we will do good too !!

I want to be able to find potential markets/listings nationally based on the return. 

Particularly I am looking at some 6-plex and 8-plex units in my target market.

Your realtor will be able to give you a much more detailed market specific answer but with house hacking and a VA loan it should be possible to get 0 out of pocket.

I have been digging into off market deals and it has been promising.

In today's competitive real estate market, having modern amenities can set your property apart, making it more attractive to a wider audience.

any tax abetment areas or other features that make the market appealing?

If we are losing money every year, but do plan on holding on to it long term, with our goal being appreciation of the market and someone else paying a good chunk of our mortgage, is this worth doing on any level?