I'm looking at infill lots in south miami dade county in areas like florida city, homestead, etc for joint venture projects with investors to build single family homes and small multifamily homes. 

You do need to follow the process perfectly and specific to your city and county.

Or what metrics should I put on my spreadsheet to help evaluate whether or not a city or state is a good location to invest in?  

Hey @Molly Kim I'm into tax lien sales too but in a different state (IN).

State a max lease duration if your concern is that you will actually wind up with a long term rental with Susie and Susies boyfriend. 

BUT NOW, city adopted FEMA's new requirements for "NO RISE CERTIFICATES" and "FLOOD ELEVATION CERTIFICATES".

Each state has similar provisions, so you should look at your state's requirements in this regard.

No tropical storm, cyclone or state of emergency has been issued.

The facebook communities are great for finding people experienced in your local market . in the search bar would just search the words real estate and your city/state 

I know in some states, we are not allowed to mandate tenants to get renter's insurance.