I only invest in areas where the local government/communities have good long term strategies in place.  

Check your local governance for how long to retain.In California, for a written lease keep it for 4 years minimum from the date of vacancy. 

He has long since retired but growing up around building and being along for the ride for rentals also gave me some decent experience in the sector.

However, I've also heard that the government is lowering their voucher amounts so that they can provide more vouchers to more families.

i thought all these agencies are sponsored by the government ?

Then buy something .. look you must take action or you’ll be like the other 90% of people over 60 that are living on government programs .

1.Ask for a copy of their standard seller side and buyer side closing documents2.Ask if they close any non-traditional type transactions you intend to use.3.Ask for a copy of their standard fees, and if title policy rates are not set by a governing body4.Ask about insurance premium rates.5.I would ask them if they are investor friendly.6.If they double close and if what do they, ask what do they charge for the 2nd close?

It’s been there for at least 15 years and the local government seems to be fine letting it stay unpermitted.

That said, the BRRRRRRR(etc.) strategy rarely fails, because it combines government subsidy with personal sacrifice, which tends to be a winning combination, unless you haven't really done your due diligence.

You should get an answer pretty quickly.Google shows the answer may be 5, but the corresponding PDF files have been moved on local government's website.