@Mitchell Maginnis first of all there is never a way "around" the laws and regulations, not in any permanency, because it's only a matter of time before one get's caught and most often the penalties exceed any of the "gains" one had received. 

They used to be local to LA, but they have been investing out in SW FL for decades, and moved out there permanently a few years ago, due to the CA investing landscape.

If you need any insights into financing options (value add bridge or permanent), I'm happy to be a resource here to help. 

FYI: If you call an architect or GC and tell them you have this "brilliant never before considered" idea of turning offices into apartments, the architect will eye-roll so hard that they risk permanent blindness. 

About the wind i do live in Colorado but i assume we connect the carport to footings and anchor it for something like this .. plus permanent install translates to a permanent land improvement instead of just sitting it down on the ground and calling it a day

With inventory down across the board in the Bay Area (especially sub 1.5MM) these markets may see a resurgence this year although permanent work from home status may push people into Fremont, Newark etc which have better elementary/middle schools.

They can be less permanent and are sometimes seen as less "home-like."

It's a permanent hat than can lead to graying hair or loss!

For example, since I lend out my own capital, I lend on investment property only, usually single family homes, in Missouri and Virginia for up to 12 months while the property is being stabilized or a renter needs to be seasoned before getting permanent debt in place. 

I usually draw it at the very end so it's easier for me to rehab with my permanent lender.