Occupants: The Tenant shall not allow or permit the Premises to be occupied or used as a residence by any person otherThan Tenant and the Permitted Occupants.

The permitting phase is worse than just about any area outside a major city. 

Any one also experienced hurdles and time frame in getting required permits and possible construction costs.

Ask about the maintenance history.Units: Visit as many individual units as possible to assess their condition and note any necessary repairs or updates.Structural Issues: Be vigilant about signs of water damage, mold, or pests, which could indicate larger problems.Safety Compliance: Verify that the property meets all local safety and building codes, including fire alarms, extinguishers, and emergency exits.Financial and Operational AspectsRent Roll: Request a detailed rent roll to understand current rents, lease terms, and tenant occupancy.Expenses: Get a breakdown of all operating expenses, including utilities, maintenance, insurance, property management fees, and taxes.Income Verification: Ask for historical income statements (preferably 12 months or more) to verify the revenue.Vacancy Rates: Inquire about the historical and current vacancy rates and how they compare to the market average.Tenant Profile: Understand the tenant mix, including residential versus commercial tenants, lease lengths, and tenant turnover rates.Property Management: Find out if the property is currently managed by a professional management company and if you will retain or replace them.Legal and ComplianceZoning Laws: Ensure the property complies with current zoning laws and inquire about any zoning changes that may affect the property.Rent Control: Determine if the property is subject to rent control or other regulations that could impact income.Permits and Licenses: Check that all necessary permits and licenses are up to date.Value-Add PotentialRenovation Opportunities: Identify areas where you could add value through renovations or upgrades.Rent Increases: Assess the potential for increasing rents based on market rates and property improvements.Additional Income: Explore opportunities for additional income streams, such as laundry facilities, parking fees, or storage rentals.Environmental ConsiderationsEnvironmental Hazards: Check for any environmental issues like asbestos, lead paint, or underground storage tanks.Flood Zones: Verify if the property is in a flood zone and the implications for insurance and risk.Questions to Ask the SellerReason for Selling: Understand the seller’s motivation to gauge the urgency and possible negotiation points.Recent Repairs and Improvements: Ask about any recent capital expenditures and future planned repairs.Tenant Relations: Inquire about the relationship with tenants and any ongoing disputes or issues.Due DiligenceProfessional Inspection: Hire a professional inspector to conduct a thorough examination of the property.Appraisal: Obtain an independent appraisal to verify the property’s market value.Legal Review: Have a real estate attorney review all contracts, leases, and legal documents related to the property.By covering these aspects, you’ll be in a stronger position to make an informed decision about your potential investment.

I live in miami florida now and I moved for larger scale developments here because of the net migration but columbus ohio the economics allow for that. existing inventory has been tougher and at the pricing inc columbus you may as well build new because you can build new less than replacement costs in a lot of the markets downtown. it's about being in adjacent downtown neighborhoods where property values and rents are higher. land values are the biggest driver of how well you can buy land to develop followed by permitted uses or rezoning applications. 

I'm interested in purchasing raw land (or close to raw) to scale up as cash flow permits.

That being said, the resort areas are already permitted for rentals.

You would be exposed to doing work without a permit, the cost of the actual permit and, worst case, having to rip it all out and have a licensed plumber/electrician do it again.I've heard most municipalities around my area no longer charge the work without a permit fine.

So how did they get the permit?

In most cases the repairs will have to be complete prior to closing, but there are some circumstances where the lender will permit an escrow holdback to allow the repairs to be completed after closing.