He is the same builder that the architect has use to build several other homes.

It helps the GC to have an idea of what you want to do, so yes, if you want to spend money on an architect to do a conceptual site plan and a civil engineer for site improvement plans, you could do that.

Hello BP Community,My name is Karl, and I’m an architect and real estate investor based in Europe.

I was a software architect of a JSF subsystem.  

For instance a zoning attorney or architect may be able to identify properties with favorable zoning or perhaps even change zoning  through a new zoning permit or a use change variance before the property is acquired.

You should engage an architect or surveyor/civil engineer for something like this.

Architects and builders in the area are quoting 2000 per square foot, but I am seeing new construction builds in Martis camp selling for 4 million for 4000 square feet, just wondering why I am being quoted double what other builds are being sold for.

The long and short of it, you'll more than likely need an architect to draw plans to do the conversion.

and "how do I architect creative financing to make the speed and efficiency of my money work smarter?"

Built in 1890, this Old Victorian was converted into a duplex in the 70's by a talented architect who made some unique and extraordinary custom design choices (read Vaulted Sunlights) that make this property truly one of a kind.