Examples would be going after deals in higher priced neighborhoods that are in loan default, that are on the MLS for over 180 days that are NOT short sales, deals with code violations, homes with fire damage (most fire departments have records of these), homes that have an unusually lower amount of beds/baths/sq footage for the area leaving room to add on, and the list goes on.

Now, you may be picturing me coding high-speed trading algorithms but I am patient investor with a long term view.

Is it possible to put some type of lock on the door that has codes that can be changed, or a card that has to be swiped? 

Especially if it's an old house that's not up to todays codes.

I've zoned in on zip codes 76310 and 76306, but any other recommendations would be great!

I'm seeing homes that have PMI insurance on them, with higher taxes in stricter code enforcement municipalities seem to be more negotiable as well.

@Don Cuffy CA civil code does allow the counties to charge for their actual costs in providing the info in a request like this.

Next steps, talk to city about zoning, building codes, and sewer hookup, contract architect and interior designer, complete full market study, bring operator under contract, and raise some equity!  

I have read elsewhere that this is a state and local code requirement.

But you will have to take a look at some of the items that might be effected by that: outlets, light switches, other trim like window trim, baseboards or crownmoldingOnce you open up the walls and a framing inspector sees that, they will make you bring things up to code.