And with no business ownership knowledge or experience, correct? 

Quote from @Jackson Ebersole: Hi Piper,It's always smart to flip properties in-state, and I'd like to share some updated insights on why this approach is beneficial, especially in the New Jersey area.Lenders typically feel more comfortable with in-state flips because:You can manage the rehab more easilyYou have better knowledge of local real estate trends and valuesYou can respond quickly to issues or make decisions fasterThere's a lower risk of fraud or being taken advantage of by distant partnersI can help you with recommendations for the New Jersey market:North Bergen: Continues to show strong potential, with average profits now around $150,000 per flip and a gross ROI of 85%.Willingboro: While specific flip numbers aren't available, the market remains active with a gross ROI now averaging around 130%.Gloucester City: Still a top performer, with gross ROI hovering around 180-190%, though still on smaller profit margins.Irvington: Home values have continued to rise, with a 20% increase over the past two years.East Orange: Has seen steady growth, with home values up by about 16% since 2022.Paterson: Experienced a 14% increase in home values over the last two years.Additionally, Jersey City and Newark have emerged as promising markets for flips, with strong appreciation rates and growing demand.

You want to find what exactly is bothering you as accurately as possible, then ask if you have the skill to make it better or do you have the tenacity to fix it through gaining the knowledge or farming that pain out to someone else.Now you can weigh the pros and cons Ben Franklin style.

I believe in the power of networking and sharing knowledge, and I’m eager to connect with fellow investors to explore potential collaborations and opportunities.Feel free to reach out if you’d like to chat or meet up!

To my knowledge you can't require the units be vacant unless you want to wait for the current owner to send notices out and then purchase. 

What is not OK is to state hearsay as facts and confuse random opinions of random people with actual knowledge or, as you put it, "research."

ThanksTalk to knowledgeable general contractors and get estimates for converting it into a legal unit.

Be careful with these transactions and get advise from a knowledgeable real estate attorney who works with these to make sure all steps are taken to property protect yourself. 

Is there any websites or platforms that I can add to my knowledge that help with this diligence at fair/free cost?

Simon, Here in FL its much easier for us because we know a few things:1) The U.S. is severely under supplied in housing units. 2) Tons of people are moving to Florida everyday which makes point #1 even more drastic for us. 3) Interest rates are preventing people from selling their homes, because then they would need to re-trade for a higher interest rate buying a new home, which is creating even more housing demand.So with this knowledge, now we move to more market specific data, which is what I talk about in the original post.If a market shows decent growth and demand, then it all boils down to the numbers.Its important not to forget about any costs though.