Anyways, I know in this business it's not good to waste time dwelling on things, so I've kept my search going.  

First, (4th time this week, 2nd time today) Multi-family is 5 or more units, 1-4 are single family dwellings.

Depending on your location you may have to buy a property policy (home/dwelling fire) and a separate Wind policy.  

Specifically there are a lot of properties in strictly single family dwelling zoning maps, however at some point in the past they were granted variance for the use.

Unfortunately, there is currently a moratorium on Vacation Dwelling Unit licenses (for property owners who want to rent out the entire property without being present). 

It was my original intention to try house hacking in the area through small multi family dwellings, but now I'm trying to learn about more methods that may be more suitable to this location.

I just looked up a random address in Northridge and looks like the limit there is $625,500 for a 1 unit dwelling.  

@Denzil Dwelle I would love to house hack, but living in shared wall spaces in base housing for 7 years now is not something my wife wants to do anymore. 

Make sure this stuff is in writing and they've signed it:zoning - they're getting a SFH and not a duplex(lack of) permits - nothing for a 2nd kitchen or converted living spacesoccupancy cert (for single dwelling)directly ask the seller/listing agent about the legality of the 2nd unitif your buyer plans on continuing to rent the illegal unit, make sure they are aware of the risks ... this article is geared towards landlords in Oakland, but is worth looking at - find the section for Landlord Liability about half way down.Good luck!

@Joseph WalzActually, this should be what I focus on- https://minneapolis2040.com/media/1427/pdf_minneapolis2040_12_7_2018.pdfMinneapolis final 2040 comp plan- page 165Allow Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) on both owner occupied and non-owner occupied property, develop a set of ADU templates that meet City codes to ease ADU construction and allow the use of tiny homes and other alternative housing as ADUs .