Additionally it's extremely hard for me to trust any property managers, brokers & real estate agents out around in Boston because they aren't familiar with their own laws and rent out places that aren't even habitable or to state code ( for brokers/real estate agents not their responsibility but seriously, that's just morally wrong). 

Didn't have much luck with that, since the target market for this zip code doesn't rely on zillow to find apartments.

I've gotten so many investors asking me what areas, neighborhoods, ZIP codes I've worked in, it's ridiculous.

If I just remove the water softener and plug the threaded end (where it hooks up to water pipe will that be up to code?

@Shandi Keller my suggestion is always, to use the search feature to locate people in your zip code.

You will need to gather assumptions or facts on property management fees (10% typical average), vacancy rate, down payment or skin in the game (typically 20% for conventional bank mortgages or 25% hard money lenders), purchase costs ( could be more or less than asking price), rehab costs/expenses( estimated costs of repairs in your area on common repairs/ fix up costs to make Rental habitability, security, safety within or above state and local landlord/ tenant laws/codes).

Call and ask to set an appointment to meet with any of the code inspectors of rental properties in the city you are looking at.

I'm surprised that there isn't a site that you can just put in the zip code and get in seconds. 

Most likely if you attempt to secure the property, or alter it in any way, they can cancel the contract.

Hi there, before we buy another investment closer to home I would like to look at the Houston market and was wondering if anyone could give me a few zip codes to focus on.