The $500 one had a local number; I called it and left a message, but they never returned my call.

It's crucial to establish your investment requirements, investigate various avenues, connect with local investors, take into account innovative financing possibilities, carry out exhaustive due diligence, and bargain skillfully in order to locate a lucrative multi-family property for house hacking.

Expand your network and explore social media events and make sure to connect with local lenders and brokers.

Haven’t bought any deals in the local area.

Look into a local REI or Landlord Association and network with the local investors as well as hanging out here.

Do you go to local real estate meetups? 

What do the local codes say about a rebuild for an existing non-conforming parcel with a greater than 50% loss?

I would take in all you can on this site, also the books you read and getting to see people speak/network at the local REIs.

@Anthony Ervin, typically these inputs are a combination of market research, talking with local industry professionals, and some of your own instincts.  

The best thing all of us can do is meet with our local apartment associations and as a group reach out to local lawmakers to enact improved, landlord-friendly squatter laws on a local level.