I work with out of state client who use all types of methods.

The easiest way to view it with Househacking is; the more uncomfortable you are willing to be, the more you can potentially cashflow RIGHT NOW.  

I imagine we will see less and less of these subject-to transactions in the coming future as this method has been popularized by some famous proponents...As far as finding these deals, a sub-to transaction would most likely be found by trolling foreclosures and finding off-market deals like a wholesaler. 

The easiest, and only, way to guesstimate the property tax and things is to look at a property already built in the area that is similar to your idea and use those numbers. 

The method is simply different.

Credit checks, collateral, and other methods of ensuring repayment are largely up to you, but are generally recommended.

Do people use other methods than this? 

I used David Greene's remote investing method.

While the market is stalling a little my wife and I are considering the "Shred Method" to pay off some of these properties faster.

You say you're open to house hacking that's great, and may be the easiest and the lowest barrier of entry just this has detrimental impact to family formation if that's what you're aiming to do.