Contact a couple contractors to see what the cost would be to add the addition.

You may have to make modifications or additions in order to get that signed off.

This combined with my new boss giving me additional responsibilities (how dare he...) and the support of my wife prompted me to take the plunge. 

Planning to start a complete home remodel (interior/exterior) on a home (currently 837 sq ft), kitchen and bathroom bump out, and add an additional bathroom. 

He may have to eat those additional expenses if he can't prove he had approval prior to doing it.c.

Here are a few additional ideas that have worked for me and others in competitive markets like Austin:Off-Market Leads from Contractors: I had a friend who rehabbed a house in North Austin last year.

Recently completed a cash-out refi and want to take that money and buy 2 additional properties (~$200k or less each). 

Make sure to have a security deposit that takes into account the additional risk.

Interest only loans allows them to get a goal profit of $500-$600 per month per property.3) Each acquisition would require 20-25% down at an 80-100K purchase price. 4) Closing costs, and the Eric Spofford turn-key transaction fee of 10K would be in addition to the down payment and were not included for the purposes of calculating the cash-on-cash return.

They can also look into local workforce development programs that might help them find new employment quickly.