I think the above are the type of items your engineer wants you to look at.  

You need to make sure that your property is easily financeable if you decide to sell it in the future and any future buyer can call out non-permitted items and actually report you to the building department or, at a minimum, ask for seller concessions.

Costs ran significantly over on both of these items and not being in the area it was not possible for me to add my experience in renovations to lowering them. 

Due to item 1, adding an ADU can require years to start achieving any return (once the accumulated cash flow recovers the initial negative position).4) Adding an ADU is a slow process.

I have been poor very poor living off food banks and pawning items just to eat for a day and do it again.

Those two items will vary quite a bit depending on the house.

I plan for a time when they can be there and check in and make sure there aren't any maintenance items they haven't told me about.

No but if you paid for those items you could get copies of them and use them for a private lender who may be able to give you a loan.

There seems to be a belief throughout this thread that its alright for a city employee to come onto your property and simply lie about item after item and then send a written agreement in direct contrast expecting you to sign and return it.

If you’re weighing a move.. be it a 1031 exchange in Oregon or locking in a promising rental in Phoenix.. just remember that the right local knowledge, strong relationships, and a willingness to adapt can set you up for something more than just another line item on your spreadsheet.