You have to make sure all necessary demo and framing is done.

We have completed a gut demo of our house and are ready to rebuild.

I recently applied for a business license on a new rental and found that there were a few violations posted for work completed without permits: construction/demo, electric and plumbing.

If a Demo order is recorded on title then that supersedes and lenders mortgage lien so no lender will give you a rehab loan for it if that's what you are planning ? 

Has a list of people waiting to rent there and is getting $675 per unit. 2 years ago one of the tenants left the gas stove on with food cooking and it burned down the 3rd unit, due to insurance reasons he had to remove the building pad as well after demo.

If he wants the building to demo and redevelop, then he can choose to let his units stay vacant (or put some tenants in - this scenario works either way) and then let the building deteriorate until the other units are undesirable for rentals and devalued for purchases.  

I some Hard Money lenders require you to make the first draw out of pocket, but do any of you not issue payment until phase 1 is actually done (like not issuing the first draw out of pocket until demo is done).

I’m flipping a house in New Jersey, built in 1983, 4 beds 2.5 baths, and it has a pool. The concrete pool hasn’t been used in years. Tile is peeling, walls have missing paint, deck around pool is uneven. Should I demo...

In the listing for the house it said "This property can be renovated or there is potential to demo and sell the lot once things start accelerating in the area.

Most plug numbers into a program and if certain percentages, based on contractor prices, don't match  they pass on a good opportunity... if its your first house... do the work yourself .. make the mistakes , learn what ever repair/install/demo should costs..... then on your 2nd 3rd 4th you know the numbers and can hire half the work out, do the other half to save money and work towards writing checks and closing deals