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.

The average car is parked in each spot for 20-30 hours.

Now there was no mention of the engineered plans requirement for the 12+ requirement to my recollection, so I do call foul there. 

I would bring in a drafter or architect to assess it and see if you only need the building plans and pay permits: Building plans about $3k to $4k since everything is done... and city permits about $4k to $7k and make sure that you don't have to do anything major... front foundation could easily be $5k or more plus engineering work and stamp. : so, assess all systems and see for obvious things like : garage door, ceiling height, perimeter foundation and drainage, framing if you can, attic space, electrical, plumbing etc 4.

Friends, family, or you might be able to access funds via a HELOC, cash value from a life insurance policy, take a loan out on your car, etc. 

When things pull back they do too.Debt is the circulatory engine of the economyGino

Companies like this make our whole industry look like used car dealers.

This looked intriguing, but I'm worried that YNAB is less user friendly for my situation.Queue the back story: I work as a realtor with a small RE investment portfolio, and my wife is a more stable W2 Engineer. 

If you like the the area and can afford the house it would be like buying a luxury or sports car.

We have an STR in Swannanoa that wasn't damaged and have had several week+ long bookings since the storm (including Army Corps of Engineers, etc).