(DISCLAIMER: the tenant’s wife is an architect).

And as mentioned by @Jesse Clark maybe a plumber or electrician took a notch out of the bottom of the beam (never do that) unless you consult an architect or engineer. 

Do you also have a list of subcontractors, vendors (material suppliers) and architects and designers that have partnered with you that I can call?

Always ofcourse in collaboration with an architect who is doing the due diligence checks so you know for sure you can get it.As a foreigner it is as easy as for residents to get a mortgage, the only thing is that non-residents can get up to 70% LTV mortgages (80% for residents) and for tourist rentals it normally drops a bit more to around 60ish% LTV.

I acted as my own GC for both remodels so I have experience dealing with zoning, permitting, sub-contractors, architects engineers etc….

As we both have full time jobs, we have agreed to scope of work, but he will be responsible for bringing in the architect, hiring all subs,  filling all permits, procuring materials, oversight of all inspections and day to day oversight of all the work.  

A local architect wants $.85/ft but since I am considering 4 of them, that may be worth it. 

An architect looked at the house and indicated its definitely possible.

I'm an Architect and I think you should almost always use one.

For the record I am not a hippy at all, just an architect landlord.