There is a very strong effort to ban them completely from R1 zoned areas which has made it very difficult to apply for a permit unless you buy a house which currently has a permit in place.

Yes, this can be very dangerous, we always use a licensed contractor that has pulled the permits.  

Just the other day I saw someone had used black sheet rock screws in the hangers on a brand new deck (non-permitted obviously, and not a single lag or any flashing on the ledger board, and they painted it immediately before the pressure treated lumber had even dried out so that’s going to peal in the first year, at about the same time that those sheetrock screws start to rust lol). 

Are soft costs like permit and architectural fees drawable and when are they released?

There are no restrictions on foreign property ownership in Portugal and transaction costs are generally low.Portugal will grant a 5-year residency permit to non-EU citizens through Real estate investment (the program is called Golden Visas, look it up).

SECTION 8 ANALYSISSection 8 Rent permitted            $1785.30Subtract Utility Allowance             - 468.00    Actual Rent Charged               $1317.30Subtract Mortgage                         - 500.00Subtract Prop Mgmt Fee               - 131.73Subtract Taxes (20%)                     - 263.46Subtract 10% Vacancy                   - 131.73Subtract 10% Cap Ex                      - 131.73            CASHFLOW TO US             $ 158.65STANDARD LEASE ANALYSISMonthly rent (asking amt

Your HAP Contract certainly won't permit the Section 8 tenant to be charged and she will complain.

Network with wholesalers, check public records, and use platforms like PropStream or DealMachine to find distressed properties.Be Cautious: Pay attention to permits, inspections, and local market trends—over-improving for the area could hurt your profits.Starting with a solid plan and realistic numbers will set you up for success.

Duplex have different zoning that may permit additional units.

That no additions or remodeling was completed without a permit.