Any successful strategies for convincing politicians this is not the best course, although it sounds good to the masses? 

@Jean HambonWe don't use the Canada post mass mailing service, but many companies do ... think of all that stuff you take from your mailbox each week that is addressed "to resident".We are primarily buy-n-hold investors and have very targeted neighbourhoods where we are looking to acquire.  

People found that out en masse in the Great Recession.

Unfortunately assessed values can be inaccurate as in some cases they relay on mass appraisal software.

I like the idea of how it brings the masses in the game but it lowers investors returns.

Central or Western Mass, maybe?

You would probably want to check out the Eastern Mass REIA in Rockland (2nd meeting in Taunton).  

This is a little known secret among the masses, there are agents that will list your property on the MLS for a flat fee ie: $375.

The best bet is to go to 1010 Mass Ave and talk to the folks at the building dept. to find out if the lot is buildable "as of right" or if you need a variance.

location=1This is for all of mass, you will see berkshire county properties on here once in a while.