I have researched different aspects of particular zip codes such as what percentage of residents are renters in the neighborhood, how much is the average rent in a particular zip code (rent-o-meter and City of Minneapolis website), the price of homes that sold in April (Zillow) and interest rates. 

. - This may just be me, but I would focus on taking action on your plan and less on the legal aspects. 

This is probably the hardest and most time consuming aspect of what I plan to do.

I am interested in the investment aspect. 

I am very successful at this aspect of my investments, I've succeeded for years at this. 

First I'm not sure if there's anything from a legality aspect that would prevent me from living in the 4th unit that's currently gutted and needing renovation.

Funding for schools has increased by over 20% in some aspects in the last couple of years.

We will handle bills such as these ourselves going forward to be safe, but it's concerning that PMCs can advertise handling all aspects of a property but not be responsible for mismanaging owner funds.

I'm all about the education aspect, so I'm incredibly excited to start learning in depth on the subject.My wife's family lives in and around Pittsburgh, so I'll be networking and learning the local geography through them as much as possible, but I also plan to go to as many real estate meet ups (once I find them) as time allows when we move up there to network and hopefully meet some of the local players.

There is opportunity I think in a lot of places, but you really have to study and work hard....just like every other aspect of real estate.