There was also a failing retaining wall in the rear of the property that completely blocked natural light form a handful of houses, and was technically on the property line and a shared responsibility.

The only thing I have seen is if it blocks their ability to access their property they would need to provide access Agreed . 

I did one last year that was an hour away from me, and it was a huge, huge pain. 

@Dutch Mendenhall Why is RADD making this such a painful process.

Are they a pain in the butt? 

They are singularly focused to avoid the pain. 

Block construction cement floors with the floors sloping to a central drain. concrete counter tops stainless kitchen cabinets boob lights and minimum windows by code .

I don't think $175/month is good in Florida (or anywhere) for 30 percent down, but it also depends on what the rest of the block and area is like and if there is appreciation scale.

If it is block construction the engineers will make you beef up the slab and add piles to support the new weight of the second floor.

I did hear that Chase Bank will do it but that their process is a pain and requires a bunch of workarounds in order to make it happen.