I’ll also call code enforcement and check the county records just to see when things like roof/hvac have been done/permitted. 

In a city like Philly, you will face many challenges - you need to learn the market and know the neighborhood and the block and make sure all of your numbers are within reason, you need very reliable contractors, you need a to understand the permit process, you need to be familiar with market expectations. 

Licensed with permits ~$4,000.Full replacement of all water supply lines and shutoffs from the interior water meter with PEX and an open basement.  1 kitchen 1 bath 1 laundry. 

It sounds like you have an un-permitted unit, which is essentially always a risk since there has been no notice to the AHJ that it exists and they can therefore initiate a code case to have it removed in most cases.

Before you sign anything, definitley pin down the timeline for permitting and building.

Great hosts will be good neighbors, will contribute to local tourism and will pay their taxes and permit fees* A major area to improve on the proposal is the 1 hour time-limit for resolving complaints.

Duplex have different zoning that may permit additional units.

Just make sure you have all the required permits, including alcohol.

Goodin Development has no filings with the SEC authorizing it to raise money, has not pulled any permits and is not mentioned in any of the numerous news articles discussing the development and the companies involved.If you are thinking of sending Justin Goodin or Goodin Development any money - THINK TWICE!!

Your policy may also cover soft costs like permit fees and legal expenses caused by delays.