Many of them have restrictions that you must owner-occupy the property for a minimum number of years - or you'll have to pay it back with interest.Also, the standard mortgage requires you to owner-occupy a property for a minimum of 12 months before renting it out.

That said, complying with local ordinances and ensuring the lot isn’t in a restricted area will be key.

Technically yes, but your odds of success are very slim and your potential will be very limited.

With market conditions as they are I don't want to be too restrictive.  

You also have setback restrictions which are based on height.That’s just some of technical parts of zoning.

Flying out to see the areas that you'll invest in is due diligence and I find it odd the realtor is strongly discouraging you from that step.

Restrictions are placed to prevent potential buyers from acquiring those properties before they are disposed of by banks.

The Taxable Value is uncapped and equated to the SEV upon a sale or other transfer of property ownership, with limited exceptions.Homestead versus Non-Homestead Millage RatesCounties & cities in Michigan are allowed to set their own millage rates, with one restriction – a primary residence (Homestead) is exempt from up to 18 mills of school taxes on their Homestead property.

It does seem odd they would list a reference that they didn't speak to previously. 

@Mike Lambert That is highly dependent on a multitude of factors like size/luxury class/location/housing type/owner restrictions/etc.