Leverage Local ResourcesEconomic Development Grants: Check with your city or county for grants or incentives aimed at affordable housing or community improvement projects.Local Banks or Credit Unions: They may be more flexible than larger financial institutions, especially if your project aligns with community needs.Partnership with Nonprofits: Collaborate with organizations interested in affordable housing or sustainable living.4.

Back to sec8, should be easy to see that's a fast-pass to time-suck-city. 

Quote from @Tannia Castro: I would say the key would be to narrow in on an area (this could be a city if you are not from that area and investing remotely), or this could be a part of the city (some local streets) if it is in your backyard.

I am still living in Chicago but plan to move to New York in a year or two.

Electric: is the easiest to split, but may require holes cut in walls to separate the units.Gas: gas lines aren't as flexible as wires, but it can usually be done affordably.Water: most cities will NOT install additional water meters on a property.

House hacking is financially a no-brainer and no city in the US (including Chicago) has more duplexes than Milwaukee.

And neither will City of Rockville.

However, I’m open to exploring opportunities in other cities or markets if the numbers make sense and align with my investment goals.If you know of any deals or markets worth considering or maybe even a deal lines up, I would love to know of it!

I also had to get it approved by the city which was pretty easy. 

One of the other factors that kept me from pulling the trigger is that the city has never passed any real STR regulation.