I'll be sure to reach out to my attorney prior to submitting a LOI - Coming up with a basis for a strong property valuation wouldn't be too difficult, but I'd like to get the property under contract prior to investing any amount of time and money into a nice presentation with initial architectural renderings, market info, and proper financial analysis (construction and operating pro-formas).I'm looking at this as a "chicken of the egg" situation.

Not sure if your pricing is in all-in cost, or just the construction, but you'll see costs for architectural, civil, MEP, landscape, and other engineers, as well as interior design, permitting, utilities, accounting, legal, and others.If you've never built before, be ready for a much longer process than you're used to with buying.

I am starting a development, architecture, and construction business here in this city.  

Ideally, they would advise on WHAT my options are (working with Board of Architectural Review (BAR), neighborhood, and any other barriers), then ultimately do the work.Thanks for your support!

I'm not really sure how to go about financing a land buy + complete build, and I don't know how to find a contractor to do the architecture and build, but I'd love some advice on that. 

Maybe a little late now but often the architectural style and building/construction methods date a property.

On your sized lot expect about $15k for architecture, $15k total for g and d/landscape architect, and about $15k total for pulling permits on 4 units. 

Hi Conor,My name is Ryan, I work for an Architecture firm in the LA area and am interested in buying a lot/land in the Topanga area as well.

If it is very extensive, you will need to prove to the city what your repairing is what the house needs, but your full blown architectural company will take care of this.

On the other hand, well-done desert architecture, landscaping, and vibrant colors are awesome, and frankly a very easy way to distinguish yourself from the million or so "meh" properties around the valley.