Do I need to hire an architect?

Would already have a lower cost architect draw plans, then hand plans to contractors to obtain bids from contractor with them pulling permits and then doing the job.Would appreciate feedback on this from anyone actually familiar with Southern Calif. building / remodeling costs.

He purchased the lot for $265,000 and he received zoning calculations from two architects.

Typically for anything in consideration is presents with the owner/contractor and architect at each meeting/call

I should hire an actual architect instead of using my partner/GC as the architect as they can probably get the permits approved more quickly2.

.- MarkSome of the best ways to find contractors is to talk to architects, designers, engineers, realtors, property managers other investors, Facebook groups, supply houses, home builders association and other contractors. 

Including legal, architect, application fees, inspector, etc.

Do as much due diligence as possible by consulting with architects/engineers, etc.

** As you can see, you will have to decide on all of these or most of these, bc Realtors like myself or accountants, attorneys, contractors, architects, lenders (the list goes on): have to know this info to help you out. 

I remember a conversation with an architect awhile back who told me that building a branch of our organization factored into his vision of a housing development he was working on (but never actually happened).