New Guy in Chicago - question regarding building permits

[Evan Hughes]

I've been lurking on the site for several months, and I am getting ready to jump in with my first fix and flip as an investor.  I did one years ago as a homeowner, but that was a different animal because time was not of the essence. 

My question has to do with the best way to deal with the hassle of building permits. My target area is mid-range (for Chicago) homes on the far north and northwest sides of Chicago. There is virtually nothing that you can do to profitably flip a SFH in this area that does not require a permit. In almost every case you will be finishing basements (possibly digging them out), moving or removing walls, moving staircases, adding shed dormers to 1 1/2 story homes, updating mechanicals, etc.

Is anyone willing to share the name of an architect or architects, who's practice is directed toward the investor rehabber with respect to the permitting process in Chicago, i.e. they can do the drawings and get the permits approved as quickly as can be expected in this town.

If providing such referrals violates the forum rules, I apologize and ask that you ignore my request, but I would appreciate any other insight from experienced rehabbers