I'm an architect/investor in Fairfield County, CT, and I totally feel your love of older homes. 

As an architect that list of up front items can be just as long as the closing list.Have you ever been able to roll all or a portion of the total closing costs into the loan?

I saw so many derelict projects- houses, factories, large office buildings all abandoned halfway through construction.Many of my friends had been architects or project managers, but were working as teachers or bartenders because they were out of work.Spain has not learned how to use the internet yet.

I am an architect, so new-builds would also be an option (although I would need to reach out for other financing options as I could not afford to do that on my own).

According to drawings from my architect we could potentially fit 37 units into this space of varying sizes.

A home owner or architect can do it also but I would stay away from it not unless you have experience in doing it. also liability GC have insurance a minium of liability and some cases work comp if need were most home owner do not.YOur local permtting office can tell you what is need in a small stop by or a phone call .

I am a full time Engineer and part time Realtor (1 year experience, 5 transactions), my wife is a freelance architect and holds a degree in construction management.

If you want more like traditional style, you can overbuild roof framing.In anyway, you may want to consult a licensed architect (like me :-) and/or structural engineer in your area.  

Real Estate Attorney costs, Architect, Builder, Engineer, Permits, Licensing, unforeseen expenses and fees, ect. 

After personally reviewing the property and noticing an issue with the foundation of the pool and pointing it out to them, (I am not even a contractor or an architect and noticed this) they came back two days later with an estimated rehab of 95K!!!