If you wanted to work for companies buying building and leasing property, you typically needed a degree in construction, architecture or engineering, along with some experience in these industries before you could switch over and start working for developers.

I just finished up my degree in Architecture and started wholesaling.

I am an avid architectural history buff with focus on the Arts and Crafts period from the early 20th century.

I then paid for architectural plans to submit to the city for permits and found another licenced contractor.

I personally love living in a big urban area and enjoying all of the attributes of it(walkability, mass transit, culture, diversity, incredible restaurant and nightlife options, architecture, pro sports, entertainment), but I realize that's not for everyone.  

The arched windows with the complicated panes on a little place like that -- the builder seems to have had some random architectural leanings.

@David TiemannI will assume your properties are in Texas which follow the 2012 Architectural Barriers Texas Accessibility Standard (TAS) and not the Federal 2010 ADA Standards for Accessibility Design.https://www.license.state.tx.us/ab/abtas.htmhttps://www.ada.gov/2010ADAstandards_index.htmPlease research the TAS as this requires Review and Inspections by Registered Accessibility Specialist (RAS). 

I want to be the expert who knows how to figure out the highest and best use of any parcel of land, even the dirtiest, nastiest or most abandoned parcels.I have a masters degree in landscape architecture specializing in ecosystematic design and planning.

If it is just the construction of the building, then I think they are high.Thank you @Will Barnard - it does include separate meters and lines but not permits - my friend already had architectural plans and will have to spend $10K to $15K separately for city permits (Moorpark / Westlake area was very restrictive before the California state law regarding ADUs and nuissance fees was passed).Is it a detached unit or conversion?

I also have a construction / architecture background and can point out things that were not done correctly, and sometimes not to code, so there is some added value there as well, hence the potentially higher cost.