At the same time you can go to the local building departments and find the plans for the projects and get the GC info from that as well as the architect.

Would you have any recommendations on an architect?

Also, you'll need an architect and engineer inspections to make sure the structure is safe. 

I still need to find investors and probably one partner.Question 2: What is next step here...architect?

I'm looking to build my team out here and would love to connect with lenders, agents, architects, and other contractors.

I’m an architect and do the interior design on my projects.

These sites typically provide extensive catalogs of floor plans designed by professional architects and designers, offering customization options to suit different budgets and project requirements.

We currently live in New York City working as architects.

Yes, you can sell it.Sometimes Peoria will grandfather a duplex and refer to it as a "legal nonconforming" single family zoned property with duplex as permitted use.If this is the case the new owner will be able to legally and officially use it as a duplex.I have also heard of people finding an architect to declare that the house was originally built as a duplex, which would help you get it rezoned as multi-family and duplex as permitted use.PM me for more info.

The city gave me 3 options: 1) return the unit to a garage, 2) get an architect or draftsman to draw up the building plans and then pull permits, or 3) get a structural engineer to "stamp" it and say that it's up to code.