For example, studies have shown that landlords in low-incomeneighborhoods overcharge housing voucher holders,making the program lesscost-effective and therefore limiting its reach (Desmond and Perkins 2016).Public policies aimed at easing families’ rent burdens should be grounded ina firm understanding of property owners’ business practices.4.

Expect a 2yr learning curve because there is a ton to learn, practice and master, it does not happen over night.

But again, this is a standard business practice. 

his family has been practicing real estate law locally for decades.

As an civil/environmental engineer with a very small side-biz practice, I'll understand.I had another meeting with my parents on 1.28.14.

Of course you can find deals anywhere at any time, but for best practices, those are the areas that have different levels of real estate activity and it will be up to you to determine your strategy. 

Very basic on the practical RE side, but good intro to some options. 

Also what are some of the industry "best practices" regarding the subject?

It is because they aren't worth a crap at being attorneys and practicing private law so they get on and stay on the govt cheese as long as they can.

It appears to be a challenging lot and my primary concern would be whether it is even a practical lot to build on.