For example, I'm in Chicago and I'm investigating suburban markets that have a higher than normal concentration of multi family buildings. 

You can file a complaint with the NC Real Estate Commission (you can do it online if you like), and they'll do a formal investigation. 

So I would love some guidance and to hear how you other investors look at properties, generally run the numbers and determine if it will cashflow or if is a good potential worth further investigating.

@Pat Noyes Investigate Turnkey Providers in the markets you wish to invest. 

I know the arson investigator in our town and he said it was cigarettes and definitely not an electrical fire.

You need to really investigate the possibility and requirements for refi before entering the HM deal.Good Job!

I use the Colorado Bureau of Investigations.

This does put a hard hit/inquiry in their credit though, so if I am going to disqualify someone for something I found in earlier investigation, I wont run them.

I investigated, it predates my original purchase.

You can get ballpark numbers by investigating what typical rehabs cost in your area.