You can start working on it immediately as the architect time takes over a month to complete. 

It will still have the 2br + laundry are AND a mini kitchen area and an exit door to meet the JADU criteria but I'm designing it so it will still look like it is part of the house :( I'm wondering if it will be more of a disadvantage if ever we move in the future...otherwise we'll just grow old here :)I am attaching the draft I made...not an architect but did my best.

Acted as a realtor, selected all materials, designer, worked with the architect, hired all the contractors, interacted with the township on permits & inspections.

Acted as a realtor, selected all materials, designer, worked with the architect, hired all the contractors, interacted with the township on permits & inspections.

Can you fill out all the paperwork or do you need to hire someone...Architect, surveyor, legal and compliance, insurance, all the temporary things you need to rent and maintain, where will you source general labor, are materials for the houses you plan available in Southern California...

An architect has offered to run through the zoning for the property, advise how many units could feasibly be built, tell us how many ADUs can be built, etc., and run through a projected cost benefit analysis of the different options.

Some differences between SFH and MFH (4+ units):-you will need a licensed architect-you will need a licensed M/E/P engineer-you will need a civil engineer for the usual grading/drainage, plus consolidating the 2 lots and/or the condo split for the townhomes-there may be other consultants required for landscape architecture, environmental studies, etc.

@Mat Zalk, I'm an architect and Developer and in Denver to get a residential contractor's license it requires a certain amount of hours worked in the field, thus the notarized letters from contractors stating you worked for them for the amount of time and gained the experience.  

Check with the zoning / planning department. you would need a variance for that. the only thing is you would be changing the zoning for the lots and a lot of times towns will not do that, if the area is R2 they do not want to change it to R1 they try to keep certain spaces the same as the houses around them. you would need to go before the board with an architect, planner, and i would recommend a lawyer.

DevelopThis would include meeting with engineers, architects, planners, equipment operators, construction personnel, drafters, financial professionals, accounting and legal professionals, etc. to discuss and implement development of property.