Are you completing these renovations with all appropriate permits and approvals?

Get permits to build a detached ADU (DADU)/backyard cottage in the backyard3.

The naca program will permit single home Duplex , triplex , four plex  so you can live with your wife in one town house and rent the rest 

Duplex have different zoning that may permit additional units.

We completed the work 2 weeks before our baby was born so we took a 4 week hiatus to rest and have the baby.Then I dove into the design, planning, and permitting for the basement.I visited the local Permit office in Alexandria and basically said, "Hi, I'm a new homeowner and I'm an idiot when it comes to permitting.

Some will give you costs based on no permits, which will likely be lower.  

For non-primary residences, they have to follow all of the following rules to receive a permit: - the property must be a minimum of one (1) acre in size (designed as a precaution to disturbances)- The building standards of the underlying zone district must be met - Adequate parking is provided - Defensible Space requirements are met - Valid water and sanitation must be demonstrated - No more than five (5) bedrooms are in the dwelling As time goes on, they continue to become more strict on the rules listed above here, and are actively regulating it.

Postal permit $220 per year.  

Verify STR regulations in Littleton/Denver and secure permits.

It might save you money on labor and give you more control over projects, but it also means taking on more responsibility for permits, inspections, and subcontractors.