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 am just trying to get as much knowledge as possible. 

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.

These inspections are often required by local municipalities to ensure that properties meet certain safety and habitability standards.

This implies that the city cannot demand the removal of an unpermitted issue and any red tag on an unpermitted unit unrelated to safety you have 5 years to address.  

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!

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."

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. 

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