As a family-run business we’re curious—what factors do lenders prioritize most when evaluating projects like ours?

I would also give her x amount of days to move but let her know you will have to charge a prorated fee per day after that to move for occupying both units. 

@Dennis Bragg, how did you factor improvements and market appreciation into the buy-back price?

Property Valuation:Investors look at a variety of factors to determine a property’s value, including comparable sales (comps), rental income potential, and location.

If I could start finding off market deals myself I think it could work, usually the assignment fee from wholesalers is the difference between pulling all your money out and not.   

I can mark it up with a fee or by increasing the rate (or both, but I never do).

Are most of those gurus just selling courses/cutting a fee on top of an agent?

@Deirdre Lizio see a lot of competiting PMCs start with a pledge of doing it better than "what's out there".Always interesting to revisit them 3-5 years later - after they've experienced the reality of challenging tenants AND owners.Look no further than Evernest: they started out with flat fee management at $99/month and promises of better & fairer service & pricing.Now they're at 10%, capped at $199/month - wonder what changed?

If you're new to investing, keeping an eye on property taxes and HOA fees in this area is also key. 

And as investors we should know this, but always anticipate higher costs and longer waits.EXAMPLE Breakdown of Costs:Plan Purchase: $1,500Permitting Fees: $2,500-7,500Site Preparation (grading, utilities, foundation): $20,000–$30,000ADUs require separate utility connections for water, electricity, and sewer but you can tap into existing utilities at the primary houseIn Raleigh you CANNOT split lots fee simple, so setting up completely separate utilities would not allow you to section off the ADU as of nowYour ADU must be on a permanent foundation (no wheels, no ability to move the structure)Construction (labor and materials): $100,000–$150,000Low-grade: $150–$180/sq ft averageMid-grade: $180–$220/sq ft averageHigh-end: $220–$250/sq ft averageLandscaping/Finishing Touches: $5,000Total Estimated Cost: $125,000–$200,000You could easily spend $200k+ with super end high finishes, custom designs, complicated sitework, adding a second story or more sqft, etc.