In this field, inspectors tend to remember the guy who proceeded with the job but didn't get the building permit.

@Robert Medina Online presence is something I'd look into before setting up those appointments to interview, to save time and effort knowing that you are talking to someone who at least has a level of expertise.I tend to look at these things to start: What impression do they give you online (professional or not/resourceful or not)? 

You tend to get more bang for your buck there.

@Andrew Rothman Anything can be fixed with the right amount of money, but there tends to be a stigma with those even after fixing.

In general, it seems to be high density cities and popular recreational areas that tend to have restrictions.

Small regional banks/CUs tend to give back to our communities so I like supporting them. 

I tend to agree with Peyton that it is really good to have an idea on the type of financing you are wanting to do (Hard Money, House hack, Conventional, etc.) and get an idea on the folks to deal with.

The weather is warm, the women are beautiful and the beer is cheap.

In my experience, the terms private lender and hard money lender tend to get used interchangeably by folks and it makes it confusing!

Buyers tend to be harder to come by especially if property is not fixed up all the way.