One think I learned from another investors mistake in my market is that when a flood claim is made, the insurance companies report that to the city building permit department. 

I’m a young college kid, and I’m looking to really get into multi family.

I still want to start out with a house hack for myself, and probably do mainly rentals in college towns but I want to diversify into as many different types of real estate and other investments as I can. 

@Josh Butler Directly out of college I owned two bed and breakfasts back to back for 24 years.

It is currently sitting on a corner lot from a local college.

When I got started investing my sophomore year of college, I had $500 to my name, My grandmother lent me $12k for the downpayment on a duplex on OSU campus in Columbus.

College friend was supposed to move in and bailed.

Do i need to get a permit first ?

That can not last forever of course and all good things must come to an end.Not sure if I answered your question, but that is the best I can do with my college drop out mind. - Great question.  

So I'm keeping an eye on College Park & East Point, areas that haven't be completely gentrified yet thus more fixer-upper options are available.