I called my local city court clerk and they did not have it and said I needed to try the county clerk (which is the superior court where I went in person)I have heard you can go to the “local court of the clerk” and obtain this list that details all properties in pre-foreclosure Does anyone know where I can go to get this list? 

I travel to New York and Los Angeles for capital raising but happy to look at local partnerships.

I then check to see if there are any local laws that limit the number of STR rentals in the municipality.

Utilize online platforms, real e­state listings, and work with local real estate­ agents to search for potential prope­rties.

@Randy Person had a good suggestion, tap into the local Real Estate Investor group athttps://www.facebook.com/groups/DaytonRealEstateInvesting, you'll find a lot of locals there happy to discuss with you.

My logic tells me it would be the lower property owner who would be responsible for having retaining wall, but black letter law, or case law may be different- I don't know???

Your local REI meetup is another great place to find market-specific resources.

Once you pick a market connect with an local agent, PM, contractor etc in the area. 

Considering the local anti landlord laws what would be the best way to handle this to avoid any potential issues from the legal perspective?

Not sure if I should be looking for a bigger company or a small or local broker.