Keep in mind that I am selling them as affordable fixer uppers and usually only address any health, safety, and functionality issues.

You can often look online for the county/city zoning map, parcel info, and zoning laws.  

On higher value we are willing to stretch if need be as there’s more room to cover unknown issues.

I’ve worked for some group home providers where they employ a maintenance worker who handles some of these issues (usually if the have multiple homes in a specific geographic location) and I’ve worked for homes where the handiest employee fixes things and that option doesn’t always have the best outcomes.

Additionally, we addressed plumbing and electrical issues to make the property fully rental-compliant.

look at Rural Japan its closer and much better tenants you can buy homes there for 40 to 60k that rent for 500 to 700. never a worry about tenant issues like your going to experience with C class US tenants.  800 sq ft is a very large home in Hong Kong if your not living with family and your maid in the same apartment What a coincidence!

In Philadelphia, which is where I am located there was a recent re-set on rents that are significantly higher and suspect the increased rents will cause more investors to turn to the program which may cause more lease-up issues.

The biggest challenge was addressing unforeseen structural issues, which ate into the budget.

The biggest challenge was addressing unforeseen structural issues, which ate into the budget.

Hi Anthony-You asked about the best ways to find off-market deals for your in-laws to buy and move into and you are focussed on the Santa Barbara, CA area which I have been to and it is gorgeous.It kind of reminds me of an Ann Arbor on the ocean. :)Anyway, I like your strategy of driving and looking for houses in need of repair and sending handwritten letters and contacting rentals for the reasons you gave.