@Deborah Asbury the best way to find contractors is to talk to architects, designers, engineers, realtors, investors as well as other contractors that are too busy.

Hi @Jay Strickler I'm living in China for more than 15 years now, experience architect and builder who also units in US. 

If your engineer is not privy to how this works, then retain a local architect whom can walk you through this process.  

Second, to work with our architects and contractors to create plans for the remodel and get them approved by the city.

Should I start shopping around for a local architect?

Collect rents every month.Year 2:Rezone the site to 10.0FSR, cost $100k in architect, engineer, environment and city fees.Year 3:Land zoning can now allow approx eighty 1-bd condos to be built and sold at $300k each.

I was wondering if anyone could recommend an investor friendly architect to help on a gut rehab project (design, plans, permitting etc) in Chicago?

I am looking for architect to add addition (extra bedroom/bathroom) and redesign the floor plan on the existing dwelling in City Heights.

So as I understand it I will be needing an architect do draw up plans, then I need to submit it to the city's building department for approval.

If they need to be stamped by an architect or engineer then it makes even harder for them to just “steal” your plans.