I'll admit, I'm totally confused about easy permits and the required inspections.It was our understanding, per 2 different professionals (an architect & licensed GC), that we do NOT need rough inspections when doing a rehab with an easy permit.

Get the project fully engineered and drawn by an architect for submittal to the city. 

Architects can be pretty expensive but you have the freedom to custom design something that can stand out.

Real estate development is super expensive, can't I cut the costs by just opening my own construction firm, paying architects, engineers and all other professional figures to do the job that the construction firm would do without paying additional money than just labour and primary materials?

I think it became a thing in some hot markets where buyers would come to an initial viewing with an inspector, contractor, engineer, architect and then try to “pre-inspect” during a viewing and block the property for 2 hours for a viewing.

I'm an architect and love old buildings.

There will be soft costs of architects, engineers, etc and of course you will need to cover the debt while there is no incoming revenue.

You'll need meetings with the city, GC, architect, engineering, lawyer (for liability) at a minimum.

Thanks, Bri There are architects who focus specifically on this type of work, I would have them create the plans to get it permitted properly and they can also advise on the contractors to use for the work.

Step 3- Start interviewing Realtors who work w/ investorsStep 4- Start attending some local networking events so you can meet some wholesalers; get recommendations for contractors, attorney, architects,...