It also has a great deal of character - large ceilings, tons of windows and sunlight, extremely spacious layouts, etc. 

This is about the ceiling for what we are looking to spend out of our own pockets. 

Foundation Repaired, Flooring Throughout, New Roof, Stucco repaired, Drywall repair, removed popcorn ceiling, What was the outcome?

Because of its location, I cannot have two proper units, but can have a main unit and an ADU or rent as one house (although I’m hoping the new development will bring a change to my zoning code)  The basement has 8ft ceilings and is completely finished but I’m thinking of digging down behind the rear wall to add a full bedroom and reconfiguring the floor plan to accommodate another room, kitchen, and door to walkout (2 bed/1bath unit).  

It looks as though he didn't insulate between the 1st floor ceiling and the attic?

After four days of dehumidifying, ServPro continued to read moisture throughout various rooms of the apartment and told me that removing flooring, walls, ceilings would be indicated.

There was another thread on here about a situation where a property needed a repair due to an leak where a ceiling came down.

Also, always paint the ceiling first.

Standard home being: 8’ ceilings, avg $4/sf tile and flooring materials, RTA China imported cabinets, asphalt shingles, vinyl windows, basic hardscape and landscape, no pool.

I think I may have solved the mystery of how your plaster ceiling came crashing down