The director may investigate the affairs of limited dividend housing companies incorporated under this chapter and the dealings, transactions or relationships of such companies with other persons. Any of the investigations provided for in this chapter may be conducted by the director or by a committee to be appointed by the director. Each member of the committee may administer oaths, take affidavits and make personal inspections of all places to which their duties relate. The committee may subpoena and require the attendance of witnesses and the production of books and papers relating to the investigations and inquiries authorized in this chapter, examine them in relation to any matter it has power to investigate and issue commissions for the examination of witnesses who are out of the State or unable to attend before the committee or excused from attendance.