The cost in engineering fees, permitting, commissions, attorney fees, market analysis and development, utility engineering, water / septic concerns (possibly even having to build a sewage treatment plant), architectural fees.......etc... just to get to the point to determine if it's feasible is absolutely staggering. 

He's constantly talking about how you need to bring the skills you are good at into your real estate investing, and find others to fill in the gaps (and your own shortcomings)It has occurred to me that one of the big ways that I can still bring value added is through my architectural skills. 

Generally NO if they a) have extensive rot or b) were poorly/lightly built in the first place. 2) Is the home worth saving due to location, size, architectural features, etc? 

After taking 9 separate 4 hour exams to get my architecture license - this single 90 minute exam felt like a breeze.

I was just interested in looking at another NY state property management agreement.I actually just met with him yesterday and he pitched that I draw up some architectural floor plans for him in exchange for free property management.

Here are some of the major benefits: our finders would often require a lot of what I call pre-development costs (appraisal, Phase I environmental, downpayment, architectural drawings, home inspection, State Historic Preservation Office ruling, etc.).

I would suggest find experienced architecture firm or real estate attorney to see if you can get the permit. 

It's much more intuitive and less technical than AutoCad or other architectural design softwares that I have used. https://www.homestyler.com/int/

It is similar to Engineers but appropriately embellished for Architecture.

In the city, one block could be different from the next with pricing, architecture, SFH/MFR inventory etc.