However, nowadays, most rates are north of 5% and I'd rather have that 5% in cash or cash equivalences to use. 

Cars are so cheap to finance nowadays. 0% interest with very low down is pretty common.

Sadly, $875k is more like an entry level home in Sedona nowadays)

If you are out of entitlement, you can use the link above to see how much the VA will guarantee, and you may have to bring a down payment or go a different route, but with that said, there are a lot of 0-5% conventional products out there nowadays. 

Nowadays, electronic calendar of some sort to remind you when things are happening. 

Since there's already a 2bed/1bath unit above the garage, it would be easier and cheaper than erecting a completely new standalone structure.

Nowadays, there are a lot of scammers and guests have been burned.

I really appreciate all the insight; there is a bit of free consultation work in the design industry but its quite rare, almost anything needs to be paid for nowadays - like you said.

The following standard easement notes shall be included on the final plat.a) ERECTION OF STRUCTURES PROHIBITED: Grantor shall not erect any structure over or within the Easement Area without obtaining the prior written consent of the City Engineer, provided however grantor shall have the right to place and maintain a surfaced roadway over and within the Easement Area.b) CHANGE OF GRADE PROHIBITED: Grantor shall not change the grade, elevation or contour of any part of the Easement Area without obtaining the prior written consent of the City Engineer.c) RIGHT OF ACCESS: City shall have the right of access to the Easement Area and have all right of ingress and egress reasonably necessary for the use and enjoyment of the Easement Area as herein described.d) REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT: The cost of removal and replacement of any unauthorizedimprovement or structures within the Easement Area, necessitated by the exercise of the rights under this easement, shall be borne by the Grantor or their successors or assigns.e) SURFACE RESTORATION: City’s liability to restore the surface within the Easement Area shall be limited only to grading and seeding, and replacement of grantors surfaced roadway.f) DUTY TO REPAIR: City agrees that any drain tile, drive or access way, fence, or yard or other improvements outside of the Easement Area which may be damaged as a result of any entry made through an exercise of the City’s right of access shall be repaired at no expense to Grantor.g) EASEMENT RUNS WITH LAND: This easement shall be deemed to run with the land and shall be binding on Grantor and on Grantor’s successors and assigns.h) GRANTOR RESERVATION: Grantor reserves the right to use the Easement Area for other purposes provided however these purposes shall not interfere with grantees use of the Easement Area under the rights of this agreement.d.

Nowadays we'd use an epoxy sealant and/or plastic sheeting...