About half our applicants don't have income that meets the 2-3x rent threshold, even with positions in architecture, software engineering, etc. which is an indicator that we're approaching the upper limit of what people can afford. 

I had a Structural Engineer come out and review the foundation as well as the addition and sloping floor (to diagnose the problem).

Look at deals, learn to reverse engineer sponsors underwriting, or better yet, underwrite deals yourself. 

Every question you might have has already been asked, use the search engine.

I am a 27 year old IT Security Engineer who is always eager to learn new things.

Also, and while I haven't tried to permit a container building myself, I've been told by people who have that, because it's out of the ordinary for them, the city will require all the engineering drawings and stamps from an engineer registered in Oregon.  

Is it worth paying a structural engineer to assess to be able to develop a scope and cost estimate, and if the number work out it's do-able?

I am an engineer and currently work for a major ag/construction/lawn equipment manufacturer (I'll leave it to you to guess which one) at one of their factories in my area. 

Planning, zoning, engineering, building dept, tax assessor, etc.

Hi BP NationI am a full time software engineer working in downtown Chicago.