I am concerned about the costs of repairs for safety code compliance to make it a rental as well as depreciation.

There's actually some specific provisions in the code for how to handle it.  

In our area if something like this were to happen the police department gives the owner notice that the tenant has violated city code and action is required to be taken for eviction.

They will recommend taping the vents (code in some areas), pull permits (required some areas), check pressures, check air handler air flow and temp, perform a follow up check after install. 

I've been actively following the inventory in a few zip codes (30310, 30311, 30314, and 30318) since July 2019 and have found that the 2-4 unit options are either:Not in the best shape and need work to secure FHA financing or just to make it more desirable for you and your tenants.Already renovated but priced at a point where the estimated rental income won't cover the monthly PITI payment.If having roommates is not an issue for you, then what @Bryan Henry suggested is the best way to go.

Honestly @Dylan Henke this stuff works anyplace if you figure out the code, I know for a fact you can do it in your own backyard if you study the market, and figure out how you have to do deals, I have flipped in Bigger towns like Sheboygan, Fondy, as well as West Bend, I have done small towns too, I did one in Ripon, Beechwood, and Wild Rose,  some of the places I have flipped are depressed, and some are hotter, you just need to know you have a great deal and do your flip for the best ROI, not the I want flashy Quartz Countertops, and High end tile, when the return will be the same with laminate and sheet vinyl, doing far away flips is a pain, I have done several over an hour away, NOT FUN all the dashboard time. study your area and dont get too excited that you buy a bad deal to have one going, I've done that too.  

Check your codes.

Some pros are typically lower maintenance costs, higher energy efficiency, and higher assurance that the property is up to code.

Put my venmo code somewhere and say if you need a pizza, pay me $5 or whatever.At the same time I plan on making other costco snacks available for free.

Also, you can take out loans against the properties to buy more, and not incur a capital gains tax (as the IRS code is right now).