@Jennie Berger gave you the whole kit & caboodle on Chicago zoning so I don't have a ton to ad, however, I'd highly encourage you to engage an architect like @Samuel Pavlovcik or @Prashanth Mahakali, both are awesome local Chicago resources.

Best bet though is a local community business bank.. 

Ensure the property’s price aligns with market trends, and work with a local realtor to help with due diligence and negotiation.Good luck!

You might want to look up the pool requirements for Phoenix and Scottsdale AZ if you want to be the safest you can be, despite the lax laws in other localities. 

Be very careful who you take advice from online, you should get involved with a local attorney and a local realtor.

I am new to real estate investing and looking to connect with any local investor.Thank you!

I've also signed up for New Orleans REI meet ups in the upcoming weeks in hopes of making valuable connections in the local market. 

My suggestions:* Requiring code compliance and safety equipment is absolutely valid and should be part of the regulations* Requiring owners live within 15 miles is not necessary since poor hosts whether they're local or distant will violate the 3-5 warning system and earn a suspension.

You should be able to find local builders that will finance the construction component of your new build, however! 

I live in Portland  Maine , I am new to real estate investing and looking to connect with any local investor.. thank you.