I saw an excerpt of an e-mail in which the promoter said, in effect, "This is not a high-risk investment." 

Perhaps it is hard for people from the states to understand - but the rule of law, and clarity in regulations etc really makes it so much more attractive than other places where you never know what new policies might come into effect forcing you to take massive loses etc.

Really about growing a strong portfolio of solid deals.Now that being said, if you are a high income earner, well qualified, and can't find reasonably good deals: (i) you can connect with a well connected real estate agent for off-market deals; (ii) you might do a very narrow cost-effective cold call or letter writing.

Are there any cost-effective ways to handle this situation legally?

To answer your question (that wasn’t actually aimed at me) my concerns are investing in an area that I’m completely new to and building an out of state team that will be effective. 

Although the percentage of the increase is large, the determinative factors are whether the resulting rent is so great as to shock the conscience of a reasonable person and was effected for the purpose of compelling the tenant to vacate."

You don’t need a judgement, but not sure how effective it would be:   https://www.rentrecoveryservic...

Quote from @Frank Barletta: It is more cost-effective and practical to install a large-size TV and get the Nintendo, Super Nintendo, and Sega Mini consoles.It comes with games preloaded, legal, and each to swap in case something breaks. 

I’m also making the property my primary residence to lower upfront costs, effectively turning it into a house hack.With this setup of me now occupying a room and not including utilities. 

Raleigh specifically has introduced “Fast-Track Plans” designed to streamline permitting to build ADUs faster and more cost-effectively.