Zoning Variance in Los Angeles?

[Jose Reyes]

I'm currently negotiating a legal 3 unit property in LA. Corner lot. 2 attached units facing one side of the street and the 3rd unit is completely detached, fenced and facing the other street (corner lot). My question is, is it possible to get a zoning variance from the City to make the detached unit into a legal SFR with it's own APN and the other two units would be become a legal duplex. Essentially two individual properties. Is this possible?

I have conflicting info and would love any insight from people familiar with LA Building & Safety, zoning, etc. 

thanks...