depending on the size of your complex and location you will have to get a permit from you state Department of Natural resources. 

Annual registrations, point of sale inspections, turning a blind eye to the most awful owner occupied housing while being overly strict to investment properties, courts that continue to drag out the eviction process; excruciatingly slow, laborious, and expensive permit processes; evictions that continue to be granted one extension after the next... these are the difficulties you run into in those cities. 

It really is unfair that someone can buy a property and be held accountable for lack of permits on old work.

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.