I've never heard of it being enforced, but I'm sure the city may use it as a tactic if there is a problem with a rental house (eg - it's a massive party spot). 

Here's a few from me:1- Code Enforcement: Houses with lots of violation tend to have motivated sellers.2- Driving For Dollars: Driving the block seeing what has uncut lawns and a deferred maintenance.QUESTION: If it's vacant, how do you guys contact the owners?

Technically the seller still has their copy of the option you signed with them, but it's no longer an enforceable contract, so it doesn't matter.

Or you can risk it, but I hear they are giving out $20k fines altho not sure if these are actually being enforced. 

No, in most states, but you aren't going to get a lot of sympathy if you try to enforce your contract.

I want to know if any has experience offering law enforcement, govt employees, etc. a discount on rent, or perhaps having a program where you let them live rent free (assuming a larger complex of course).

The area is starting to strictly enforce the new laws.

Any suggestions if I can get around this legislation or attack it?

Here's a way to think about embarrassment that works for me:Societies make their members conform in different ways -- there are always enforced limits placed on their members' behavior.

I will also check with the code enforcement in my local area to see any engineers listing and check prices.