If Planning does determine the existence of your ground floor unit, it will require you to legalize the unit through the existing Planning code process assuming zoning supports the third unit OR using the new ADU program making your fast track condo conversion a passing dream.With regards, to some of your latter comments and questions:1) Any un-permitted work (including corrections) is not a good idea as a quick compliant from a neighbor can bring an inspector knocking on your door with a NOV especially in the current environment where everyone is SIP.2) Legalizing existing constructed spaces can be hit and miss based on the inspector you get.

They want to do everything by the book, but don't understand the inspection process and don't want to invite an inspector to come over and throw the book at them.  

The inspector might have screwed up which could put their insurance at risk.

In my experience, inspections are typically about safety, not whether something is up to code (that's what the town building inspectors are for). 

New construction going for so cheap in this area as opposed to how much new construction goes for New Jersey made me very interested in just purchasing something that is already completely done and hopefully good to go for the next few years.

Often we can get a bridge loan with cash back at closing as well as the remaining rehab budget in construction hold back in one loan. 

@Dave Terbeek will you please share the lead inspector information Please.

Typically where the builder goes into a smaller town or area build a small phase and then moves out to another county or town leaving not many new builds in that area to offer new future construction home sales.

Building permit lists are public records that document permits issued by local government authorities for construction, renovation, or demolition projects.

New constructions in the neighborhood are selling for a significant amount above construction costs (double or more the market value of the land).