Grant and I have helped a lot of local investors get started in the willamette valley with house hacking multifamily or buying live-in flips, or just strictly investment properties to add to their existing portfolio. 

Exhaust fans aren't required by code here, and honestly it would be really hard to put one in that was the required height above the range due to the sloping ceilings.So, in short, I would really like to put an electric stove up there and have the gas line capped off before the new tenant moves in.

G'Day Aaaron,You might also find this thread useful.I posted a while ago about zip codes and made a recent update.https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/86/topics/699494-toledo...Thanks 

Yet, FHA loans have strict rules—they must be for a single-family house or an approved condo.

As far as the other units most policies have "building and ordinance" clauses which proved some coverage if you have to update to "Code" but if the other units aren't damaged and are still up to code I wouldn't think there would be an extra coverage provided.I urge you to go into the process treating the insurance company as a partner not as their going to screw you no matter what :). 

I offered to have all the suspect insulation removed and proceeded to do so but the buyer backed out anyway, spooked by the word "asbestos" which isn't even a health threat unless it's disturbed and it was in the crawl space, not a livable area of the home.Next contract, the inspector brought the code book and proceeded to list numerous nit-picky issues that were totally different (apparently missed?)

Is there a zip code that you prefer to invest in?

Seemed to be very strict laws in some areas & possibly more laws coming in other areas.

That will give you the zoning code and other info (especially important if it is a multi family).

The basic steps would be: 1) Buy Land- (up front cost) make sure you can build what you want ahead of time by talking with an experienced engineer/architect familiar with local codes and regulations.