Make sure you have proof of funds or a pre-approval letter ready to submit with the offer. 

I asked the architect to stamp the plans so we can get the permit and he responded that he can't stamp the plans, and they shouldn't need them because we can submit the stamped site plan from the surveyor and his drawing together.

This has helped me understand my spending when I was saving for a downpayment, and now helps me track certain expenses I need to submit for taxes.

If your market isn't as hot right now or if you don't have significant equity in the home, then chances are you may be better off submitting a contingent offer and relying on the market. 

When you are within two years of purchasing make sure to have good tax returns to submit as lenders will want tax returns for last two years.Use the money you have saved and your tax returns to buy a duplex/triplex with an FHA loan and house hack.That would be my game plan in a nutshell.

Now we have to submit the plans and apply for a permit and have an inspector come out to review the conversion from 30+ years ago

I didn't submit the question but that's good advise.  

@Bryan Melendez what do you mean by      "My goal is to submit a couple of landlord applications" ?

Submitting your interest is NOT a guarantee or promise that we will invite you to come on the podcast.How Do I Submit My Interest?

Every time a guru “education” course was co pleated, I’d receive 10 -20 phone calls from either investor wannabes “building their team” in preparation for all the real estate “great” deals they were going to uncover or the same wannabes who had already identified a “great” deal (they hadn’t submitted let alone secured acceptance of an offer yet) and were lining up their financing which since they were purchasing at 50% of the value they’d end up with not only 100% financing but also walk away from the closing table with cash in their pocket.