It's all in the tax filings and your proposed settlement.

I am working with a few right now and I have signed their proposals but I really want to have them sign a contract that I can drop in the scope, schedule and proposed fees to protect BOTH of us.

You may still learn more by talking to the building dept about the plans...approved design, any proposed changes, etc.

@Blake Edwards  It's certainly illegal here in MA, plus there's a whole list of laws you have to follow with deposits, including disclosing the bank where the deposit is held and paying any interest earned to the tenant.I'd check CA laws, but it's unlikely that you can do what you're proposing.

We have 3 separate entities that are held by this primary holding company and the tax prep fee proposed is $12,800. 

What’s the proposed interest rate and amortization ?

They will decide if your proposal matches with the city's intent and decide accordingly.

ok so the craziest thing just happened to me. I’m on my way home from Las Vegas and had a Pittsburgh pirates jersey on. Some guy stops me and asks if I’m from Pittsburgh and I reply yes. We go on to talk and somehow g...

Please ask away if you have more questions or theories you want to propose about future prices.

But if you go to an owner you must find a way to provide value to make your proposal more attractive then someone's else.Know that anything over 4 units = commercial... different rules and different buyers.