When I ask others at my local meet ups they just reply with "I've been doing it for a while" or "lots of practice."

While algorithms can analyze data at scale, real estate isn’t just about numbers—it’s about nuances and the most important component of real estate is understanding its value, and that to me (maybe I am old school) but can only be done by physically visiting and walking the property.So for me, factors like local market conditions, property inspections, and borrower credibility can’t be fully captured in a formula.

2) Local RE meetups.

@Kayla Elliott  Hi Kayla - this was a commercial mortgage loan with a local bank, that held it "in house" after it was issued. 

Sometimes cities will allow this, but it depends on local zoning rules.If neither option works, it might be worth consulting a real estate attorney to explore your options.

You might consider: Consulting a Real Estate Attorney – Your emails may possibly prove misrepresentation.Requesting Public Records – A FOIA request might reveal why the city denied you but later approved the duplex.Escalating to City Officials – Bringing this to local officials could expose inconsistencies.Exploring Tax Write-Offs – A CPA might help offset your financial loss, if it is possible.I’d definitely seek legal advice.

How to Track Regulatory ChangesStaying up-to-date might seem daunting, but the right strategies and resources make it manageable.Key Resources:Local Government Websites: These often publish updates to zoning, rental, and housing codes.Real Estate Associations: Organizations like the National Association of Realtors (NAR) or local landlord associations offer regular updates and seminars.Newsletters and Blogs: Subscribe to reputable legal or real estate blogs for insights into upcoming changes.Professional Advisors: Build relationships with real estate attorneys and property management professionals who can provide guidance tailored to your market.Pro Tip: Set up Google Alerts for terms like “rental law changes” or “landlord regulations” in your area to receive real-time updates.3.

I'd ask for referrals, and reach out to some local folks and see what is working and not.Best of luck!

I'm a local realtor and investor, so I’d love to help you find the right property and navigate the market.

Many months of costly vacancy, local market rent & resale deteriation, special assessments, property taxes and maintanance fees suggest a quick sale would have been the wise thing to do 2 years ago.