Non conforming suites are only investigated based on complaints from what I understand (in Edmonton).

A better approach would be to investigate changing over to a heating system that will have the tenants paying as opposed to the owner.

In any action, AP, Quiet Title, or Probate, most Judges will require significant effort to identify and notify the heirs (certified mailings, investigator, notice by publication, etc . 

Unless the next door owner 1) will sell you the property you need AND 2) there is enough room between the houses that Both would meet the side yard set back requirements...it’s a no go.First investigate to see if the property is actually where you think it is.  

If the FBI gets notified of suspected fraud, it's no holds barred in investigating even your grandmother if that's where the trail leads an examiner. 

I would call up to Jackson and talk to the RE department its a small department and you can get one of their investigators right on the phone.One of my largest clients ( I was the largest HML in MS for years)  was a turn key marketer who would tie up property ,,, put it on his website and send out to his buyers lists ext.  

After I get the results back from the private investigator, I may pull the boards off the Windows, fix it up, pay the taxes, and rent it outI guarantee no one living on that street will be upset that I "stole" a house.

When you are investigating an area, call a few of the top realtors in the area and ask them to tell you about the market and what some problems/issues are.

If you're planning to invest out of state, I would pick an area or two to investigate, and build relationships with local investors, but mind you, if you do invest out of state you will have little to no control over your investment so you must work with people who are reputable. 

Looked like it may me an interesting niche to investigate.