Cash flow is harder now so your market strategy is right on.

I look for liens that will be removed or that may stay, ownership history, platting, zoning, exit strategies, cost & profit analyses, and above all else; I physically look over the property.

Quote from @Jay Hinrichs: I invested in a winery/wedding venue at the end of 2023 because I needed a quick tax strategy and couldn't find a property fast enough.  

What strategies or precautions can I take to protect myself and ensure I maximize the value of these deals?

Your best bet are still the Townships - they have the best schools in the county with the least restrictions. 

Best bet is likely (not absolute - everyone's situation is different) is to look at a national lender or broker that has options in lots of states - its a great development versus 20 odd years ago, with technology, internet, places like this - can have access to many more options than before (local broker or lender thats it)

I began inviting them to online zoom meetings I would hold with brokers, agents and investors... friends I had made along the way, where we would just talk strategy, loan types, current market trends etc.

Figure out your strategy and what works best for your project.cheers! 

If your goal is to offset your mortgage with a house hack then Lowell would be a good bet, but if you're looking for a longer term appreciation play then the areas closer to the city would be better, although the offset from cashflow may be lower than what you're looking for.A good step for you would be to dig into specific areas more as @Lien Vuong noted above.

Each exit strategy offers numerous advantages on both sides.