Are you house hacking or buying strictly investment?

Is there a breakdown per zip code in the Austin area, particularly 78748?

Cash for keys is your best bet, then any kind of health code violations if a municipality cares.

The stairs to the basement were also not to current codes and didn't meet my vision (even tho they might have likely been grandfathered in) as I would not feel comfortable having a tenant using them (maybe would have to lock that door off asking a tenant to not enter).

There is so much red tape from permits, codes, zoning, engineering, environmental approval, etc.I wonder if it is by design or if our delegates are living in a bubble.

If you strictly want to consider the numbers one big thing I would consider - what is your current living situation ie do you currently live or rent and how much are you paying?

In NJ each county has different codes for different situations.  

I want to understand:1. where this restriction comes from2. how to know which code your house belongs too3. where all the codes are described and how they are related4.

You may be able to convert it to a triplex under the 2040 plan by adding fire barriers but a triplex is commercial building code. 

Between purchase and possession, they've transitioned to a significantly more strict HOA.