Rehab contractor licensing and permitting hurdles

[Andrew Angelo]

I found an 8 unit of studio apartments that is totally stripped down to the studs and main sewer line. I have family friend handyman/contractor that can perform all of the plumbing, electrical, drywall and finishing. Basically he could build a house besides the foundation.

Catch is, he is only insured, does not have any licenses for contracting. But he's really competitive labor cost wise.

The deal isn't good enough to get a market rate contractor to do the work.

Are the legal hurdles/permitting too costly to use this guy?