I take a methodical and pragmatic work approach. 

Hey Themis - I used a similar strategy in my first year investing in Cleveland, focusing on the BRRRR method with SFRs, and it worked well.

And while nothing is foolproof the most consistent method of finding good vendors is relying on OTHER real estate investors that have worked with those vendors. 

We are working on our first flip house and we didn't plan to do the BRRRR method, although it has come up in conversation multiple times due to the area it is in, we are still tossing the idea around of keeping it as a rental.

Find Brandon's videos on YouTube for the "four square" method of analyzing homes and practice.

. - This will allow low down payment and the 203(k) allows repairs to be financed into the purchase mortgage.- The 203(k) will allow you to bid on properties that need repairs that won't qualify for a traditional mortgage => less competition => better purchase price.You will need to find a great local contractor you can trust to supply the required bids to qualify for the 203(k).- After closing, you can do some of the work yourself to save money, but the program doesn't allow you to pay yourself.You will want to buy a Class B property, maybe Class C+, in an area that seems to be improving.

What's the highest success percentage method to find a previous tenant's new address for this? 

What are the best methods to independently verify zoning and land use data to ensure compliance with local regulations?

There are also people who swear by one method or another.   

Find Brandon's videos on YouTube for the "four square" method of analyzing homes and practice.