Did you make sure to reach out to the permit and zoning office to make sure you'll be able to follow all the rules and the mother in law suite will work for your location?

Maybe they added the extra square footage without permits? 

If you find an architect that can do the interior design, you’re better off; if the project needs a permit, the interior designers cannot submit permit and you’ll have to hire an architect separately. 

The units have had all electrical panels and water lines upgraded with permits and new kitchen cabinets installed in all units.All of these deals were on Redfin.I would argue that there is money to be made in every market.

Purchase price: $1,500,000 Cash invested: $1,200,000 This was a bridge loan at 80% LTV and 9% for an experienced investor who will be refinancing out of our loan with a construction loan once permits are approved for construction.

They have a cap of 3900 STR permits with about 500 still available.  

You may need permits for plumbing, electrical, and structural changes.A HELOC can be a flexible and cost-effective way to access funds for a down payment on another property. 

Zoning laws, permits, and construction delays can also complicate things.Seeking Your AdviceSo, I’m turning to the BiggerPockets community for guidance.

I would love to see how to get started .from purchasing the land, permits,  and simple question for a newbe like what's the min acres you need to build...

The Theory is this:(Quoted from VA.org: Those who apply for a VA mortgage with another veteran (a VA “joint loan”) may be permitted extra units for business purposes, which means your multi-unit property could have more than four units.