Will pulling any permits on the existing building call for substantial (expensive) modernization upgrades to Handicapped Access, electrical, plumbing, new laws regarding signage, (FIRE SYSTEMS), etc...(???)

With all of these older properties, if they go vacant long enough or if they burn down or are destroyed then you lose your grandfathered zoning and would have to conform the modern zoning status.

Searching and examining title is as much an art as a science and should only be done by those experienced in it and willing and able to absorb the loss if a mistake is made. 

Also, look into Green Bonds or Green loans if you are adding EV charging or solar etc. as Banks like to access that source of money if you're modernizing a building to be Energy efficient or leed compliant.

I am looking to finally get into the real estate rental game and want to find a decent home with minimal work needed to make it look more modern so i can start using the house hacking strategy. 🏡 🔑💸so my question is:When applying for a loan do you go straight through the bank you you been banking with or can i go to other banks and apply?

Easy answer here is if you don't know what you're doing with venting, let a qualified HVAC company come in and get everything adjusted for you based on science rather than guessing. 

On my normal internet connection, I'll search for organic vegetables, how I myself can save the earth from Climate Change,  new ways to cook kale and arugula,  modern movies and tv shows that glorify dysfunction and violence,   on my VPN pretend there's a Bill of Rights?   

If your siding is not in bad shape and no rot I would just repaint it to a more modern color to imrpove its look.

So the agents these days are Taught to put this one their cell phone  " Thank you for calling for faster service please text me "  well that ends it for me :)  the few times i try to engage in a text conversation I just get way to frustrated its too slow. theres no personal inflection I want to talk to agents to feel out If I think there is a light bulb on or if they are suitable for my needs I can do that quite quickly on the phone.So to answer the OP  I am not sure what you do to get anyones attention these days in the go go text dont talk modern world. 

Look for markets with growing populations, growing jobs, modern/diverse economies in landlord friendly states.