After speaking with a local realtor and lender for quite some time to just get some information, they advised me that we are currently in a "buyers market" compared to a "sellers market."

Often times even if its a single family home or a multi with separated utilities there are some utilities provided by local government.

But I don't know if that verbiage is enough to protect me in the event of a lawsuit for example if there's a fire down there and someone that is in fact sleeping down there gets hurt. 

I'd view this as a responsibility to the other tenants in my property, and I'd probably, after this event, be willing to allow the other tenant to vacate as well if they asked. 

The local paper or county website will have all the info you need for auctions, tax deeds, foreclosures, etc.  

Are there any other events/communities/places I should be looking out for?

Top local RE broker familiar with STR compliance. 

First, understand the local real estate market, including housing prices, rental yields, property taxes, etc.

Really looking to connect with locals about their experiences, get their advice, and hopefully find a mentor that can help me out.

The comparisons I made were within my local market ONLY (South Florida market) so I can't speak to how the data stacks up in other areas/markets.