I wish there was some secret but to be able to get the property entitled you need $$$ and I have yet to find a bank or lender that will lend for entitlement work (city approval, all necessary studies, etc...), what I would do is find the property. 

I have also read Making Money in Real Estate (Douglas Gray), Canadian Real Estate Investor Financing: 7 Secrets to Getting All the Money You Want (D.

I don't know of any 'master list' or secret contacts to get a hold of. 

Poor people focus on obstacles” - secrets of the millionaire mind. 

There is no secret about the crime rates in the city.  

Please don't keep me a secret.

Again, other might feel differently here.b) Skin in the game: as a conservative investor, I understand that the dirty secret of industries that the waterfall compensation is in the line with me and incentivizes sponsors to take more risk.

@Andy MirzaLittle inside secret for all investors- ALWAYS get this info from the seller prior to loan transfer.

I'd be happy to teach some trade secrets, just reach out. 

Doubt you'd have trouble with the appraiser or bank--your main concern, which is already clear from your post, is if/when the municipality uncovers the dark secret hiding in your basement.