Not to mention, once you lay the backer down and pre-drill through it, you end up with little piles of concrete dust under the holes that can elevate the backer and create some room for flex underneath it. 

I would also seek homes that were built or raised to meet FEMA elevation guidelines.

Hi Chris.I can't really say what kind of mold that is.This is not growing "passively" because of elevated humidity.

Prefer elevator / doorman bldg.Please add me to your cash buyer's list if you regularly encounter any of the above.Thanks and Happy Investing !

Is elevation and view more important than how close you are to key attractions?

The city fees in total were going to run between 11-12 K, the survey between 1-2 K with to meet the requirements of the city including noting were existing trees are and elevations.

It also has about a 3" in elevation sag on the ground floor in one corner. since I don't have a ton of capital (basically enough for 3.5% down and hopefully use seller assist for closing) I was considering using a 203k loan to fund the repairs above to basically get it up to FHA approval standards and then either do the work myself or use non 203k approved contractor for the rest of the renovations over the next 2 years. 

An architect (or draftsperson) will have to not only show the elevations and layout of the unit, but they will also have to submit a Title 24 (energy efficiency calculation) as well as the site plan for the entire property.

In the rent lease under the section headed basement it states that the basement should not be used as a bedroom and that its susceptible to seepage in heavy rains so that anything stored in the basement should be elevated.

Has stairs only and no elevator?