Assuming you have no other major obligations or constraints (i.e. family, job, finances) guiding you and could pick any place in the USA to move and build/start a real estate portfolio, which city would you start?

House hacking may still be an option depending on where you live, it just won't be as lucrative  there are many cities around the country where a single family home will have a granny flat in the form of an attached room with a separate entrance, a casita in the backyard or even a basement apartment. 

Here's the scoop:The seller asked the city to have the property rezoned because they were hopeful it would raise the sale price because of potential businesses purchasing the land.

The surrounding cities are much cheaper and you may have better luck there.

It’s almost entirely due to one socialist on the city council; Chloe Eudaly.

It would be more helpful if you give a city name or a zip code.Disclaimer: While I’m an attorney licensed to practice in PA, I’m not your attorney.

Have been working with city on whether I can legally add the finished basement as a unit. 

Clearly it has become known as a growing city that is attracting a young, college-grad crowd - but do you think it has peaked?

What I’d do is find a real estate attorney in your city and explain what is that is like to do which is wholesaling. 

To find local banks thought you can go to google and just search the city + bank and start calling.