You need to find out what the city policy is. 

Rural areas may not have such variations but cities generally will.

I've read a lot about the upcoming vote on the SDSU West vs Soccer City Initiatives, however I'm curious how you all think this will affect the surrounding area real estate values?

For example, I just put an 35-unit building for sale last week in one city, but still active looking in another city.  

We ended up having to evict her and on her way out she complained to the city that she had unsafe living conditions.

Picked up a house a few months ago in Midwest city. 

I am first narrowing down on a few States, then get to counties, then to cities and then to neighborhoods - leaning a lot toward the SouthOnce I have narrowed down a few cities/neighborhoods, I will look for realtor agents in that area primarily through BiggerPocketsIdea is to identify a killer agent with whom there is a connection.  

The city or county clerk's office in most cases can give you a map of the property which you may or may not be able to orient perfectly.

Where can I find a map of new construction permits and new building permits issued for the city of Chicago?

Yonge Street.  City