Typically speaking we leave out front/side exterior photos on every listing, regardless of grandeur.Years ago there was a rash of thefts in South Florida where people were finding houses based on map and exterior photos and breaking in when vacant and clearing them out. 

We can just break it down here.

I maintain even break even on valuation (which is rare in SF Zoned areas), the ADU has big disadvantages versus new property acquisition including financing, level of effort, rent control, prop tax being based on cost rather than value added, length of time including length of time from first expenditures to first income, reduction of something from existing unit (in your case existing home lost its garage).Did you see starting next year Mf can add an ADU per unit up to 8 units without any affordable housing concessions?

Does that mean I'm all set and can break it up in to separate units, or do I need to get a permit or rezone or other things?

So it's pretty hard to break 5% utilization. 

I love the concept especially given the need in your market for storing things like snow machines, boats, rvs etc, but also for repair or general "fab shops".As long as you are seeing the demand in your specific market for these spaces, and perhaps its worth getting some leases signed up prior to breaking ground but thats a personal preference thing, I think the numbers look promising if the use case is there.

I recently financed three new builds in the Jasper area near Big Canoe and I'll be heading up with my family shortly after Christmas for a "tour".

If you oversimplify it and take your total cost to close the deal / monthly savings = # of months to Break Even.

On the other hand, if you “just” break even for 30 years on your previous primary home with 5% down.

After a few candid conversations, they realized they could negotiate slightly higher rents by offering small improvments..things like better loading dock access or upgrading the security features..turning a so-so cash flow into something much healthier.When you break down your family friend’s situation, it might help to consider these angles:Selling and redeploying capitla could open up opportunities in markets where cash flow is a bit juicier.