Souther California Small Multifamily remodel horror stories.

[David Lasky]

What horror stories do you have in this market?

I'm very new to this whole renovation process. I have helped my family with a couple SFR remodels. But this is my first time going it alone particularly in Southern California. Any advice would be appreciated.

I'm in the market for a small multi family in Los Angeles. Many of the properties in my price range could use some updating. 

To any contractors/ handy men working in the Los Angles area. What problems do you run into in California 3-4 unit multifamily buildings built in the 1940s-1950s. 

Can anyone comment on the permitting requirements to put in new kitchens, bathrooms, flooring and paint on 1-2 bedroom apartments?  I have heard that California can ask for certain things to be fixed when you do a remodel. What should I look out when purchasing houses of this era. Are there any building elements that I should stay away from? Steel/Aluminum Pipes, Aluminum wires ect? How common are these issues?