Here are the numbers:Purchased in October 2019: $360,000 (not renovated)Current list price: $345,000 (initial list price $395,000 on 4/26)Mortgage left: $267,794 (before I make the August payment)Monthly payment: $1687 (includes insurance and property tax)HOA fee: $605 a month My renovation costs: $17,726 (already paid off over 2 years ago)The renovations realtor had done recently: $11,742 (to be subtracted from the sale or I pay the renovation company that amount within a year)There was a special assessment last year of $1600 for elevator repair.

In a multi-unit building, you would typically have one or more "house" or "common area" circuits on separate meter(s) for general hallway and stairs lighting, security systems, elevator, and maintenance use.

You also need architectural designs and elevation drawings.

If you must flip in a flood zone here are some things you should do/know1) Find out where in the flood zone the property is located and the last time it flooded2) Ask the seller for the elevation certificate and see in any preventative work has been done to stop flooding or reduce the insurance rate 3) Review your ARV number, make sure its extremely conservative as the flood zone will probably result in a lower than average price (also make sure the comps you run are in the same flood zone if possible)4) If you take on the flip make sure you provide extra info about the status of the flood insurance and provide written flood insurance quotes for potential buyers5) Water proof the home if it makes sense to6) Host open houses often, don't trust agents to break down flood insurance and the risks associated to potential buyers, it won't happen.Those few steps should help, know your numbers and if they don't make sense don't be afraid to pass on this one, remember no deal is better than a bad deal.

I have heard of people having leases that are longer than 1 year with some type of elevation clause (like it can increase X% after the first year) but I don't see that being totally necessary. 

I've been in talks with the town Building Commissioner and he said that he needs a building plan with elevation and all the stuff that I would like to do.

Since most properties have at least one elevation photo in their listing, I don't know if I should just put a (better, but not deceptive) photo of the whole building, or skip an exterior shot entirely.

Curb appeal, lighting, possibly security cameras, solid core or decorative metal doors with deadbolts and security screen doors, interior painting that is not one color on everything, accent walls in main living area and primary bedroom, cabinets and closets painted white on the interior, flooring limited to one or two designs throughout the unit, and no carpet, windows and screens fully operable and clean...all of this will elevate your unit vs. most of the others in such a neighborhood.

Prep an easy "elevator pitch" for yourself so you can introduce yourself in 60 seconds to a bunch of new people. 

The main level & above garage apartment is a "normal" 3/2 house, slightly elevated back deck with stairs down to ground level deck, hot tub, big fenced yard, etc.