The building has a metal exterior finish with large bay windows and a durable brick.

Thanks. because existing is super messy and lower returns for general contractors and HIC, I'd recommend looking at new construction too. start to finish 120 days right now on 1-3 family is what our market is going for high volume spec homes that have been built before. 

Then, give the GC or (Tile Contractor), enough to buy the tile only...after they are completely finished, then pay them the balance due on the tile ....only.

Your definition is correct for "legal non-conforming".The "legal" part of "non-conforming" is dropped when it doesn't apply so most commonly people call these units "non-conforming", "finished", "in-law suite/unit", or "bonus unit".Non-conforming: Any property that doesn't meet current zoning requirements.Legal non-conforming: A non-conforming property that was lawfully established under previous zoning regulations and is allowed to continue its use.Based on his posts @Mario Morales is referring to a non-conforming unit.

I updated the bathroom/porch in the spring, and am finishing construction on a 2-stall garage (the previous garage was basically a large shed that I could not fit much in).Moving forward I am considering one of the following options to put my money and build equity:1.

Depending on the ARV, I think you are better of using your own cash or getting a partner involved to finish the rehab and then cash out refinance with a conventional or DSCR loan.

We are finishing up some renovations on a house with an in-law on Cape Cod.

There are companies out there that have 0 skin in the game and are just referral sources and there are others who are vertically integrated so they own/manage the entire process from start to finish. 

Then your agent can still work for you on seeing this to the finish line. 

STR income will always be dependent on who I managing the property, how nice the finishes and furnishings are, and the actual location of a property within the given city.With my STR in Destin, numbers are more or less the same as last year, perhaps down just a hair.