We pulled a high equity absentee owner list within specific zip codes.

Since I will be renovating these older homes, and bringing them up to code, I would house hack until I found a buyer.

I don't care if you've done this for 40 years- if you won't listen to reason, tax code, and accept that you could be wrong.

You'll have to check with your local zoning code on requirements as well. 

You don't want to spend money having work redone or out of code so be sure the work you pay for is going to pass inspection. 

Preferably would like to work with someone who is well versed in the tax code as it pertains to real estate so that I can make sure that I am maximizing my returns moving forward with my investing.

Have you run into any issues with code enforcement over short-term renting?

Proximity to the mountains, 300 days of sun, great beer, legal weed, bars, restaurants, arts.

From what I've gathered, they don't like knowing people can rent them out and make money on a lot that's zoned, strictly, as low-density residential.Second, and the biggest issue, is that this property has $400k in code violations against it.

First, I'd check your local municipal code and condo board for their rules to see if there are any restrictions on who/how many you can rent to and if the board needs to approve.