Anyone have any good contacts (contractors, architects, etc.) that I could reach out to and pick their brain?

In terms of the construction cost, the 33k should cover all of it including architect and permitting fees.  

In your experience should I hire an architect, designer or a draftsman.

But to answer your question, it’s a combination of your engineer/architect and the city building department. 

Have contacted some architects in the area and the seller has his own plans as well.

Have contacted some architects in the area and the seller has his own plans as well.

I have an architect willing to sign off on the structure. 

The process would be to first have an Architect put together a feasibility study to determine what can be built based upon the properties existing conditions, zoning requirements, code requirements, ADA requirements, and the desired use.

I mentioned it to a naval architect, but he was unfamiliar with EPDM, but had favorable thoughts on the concept.

I've always wanted to be an architect and tried to get into an architecture program, but I was unsuccessful, I assume because of my comparatively worse artistic technique than other applicants...Anyhow, I wanted to stick to the domain of real estate since it interests me, and having previous construction experience, I thought I could handle all the world had to throw at me.