If before getting a permit you have to dance around for Code Dept officials/ city gov and crime is thru the roof, investments will definitely be low whether real estate or other, but it should be benefiting the city officials to keep things that way.

Before you sign anything, definitley pin down the timeline for permitting and building.

The need for building permits in the counties is limited to plumbing, HVAC, & electrical. 

Who is their architect for all plans and permitting?

.- Tell them they have to provide documentation of the animals service / emotional support (as allowed by your local ordinances), and that they have to provide documentation that the animal is current with its inoculations, etc. as well as its local license before you'll permit the animal in the unit.- Tell them they'll have to provide you with a copy of their renter's insurance naming you as additional named insured, with a minimum of (I use $300,000) liability insurance, also before they move into the unit.It's not perfect, but it's a start toward a tenant transparency.

Buy a new primary and rent rooms to relatives/friends/co-workers.

The location is ideal, as it’s situated in a neighborhood that permits short-term rentals (STRs), making it a great investment opportunity.

@Phil SheltonYou would need a civil engineer to provide a drawing to get submitted to zoning and get a permit if it passes zoning is most common This also depends on the road - if it’s a state road forget it as it will take a year to get approved and cost a fortune - if it’s a local road process not as cumbersome but don’t expect this to happen quicklyIn some instances you may have to prepare sight distances etc to make sure it’s safe to add a curb cut

Just make sure the town is ok with the land being zoned for multi-units, and look into construction costs, financing options, and permits ahead of time.

Duplex have different zoning that may permit additional units.