But they could just buy the house or condo next door and go to cosco and spend $10k making it nice like my wife does. 

I do not recommend you spend a lot of money to get an attorney on this matter.

San Diego’s average house hold income is about what you stated, but the median is a surprisingly low (considering US news and world report lists it as the most expensive US city) ~$100k.  

I don’t want to spend a month in a dump.  

And as investors we should know this, but always anticipate higher costs and longer waits.EXAMPLE Breakdown of Costs:Plan Purchase: $1,500Permitting Fees: $2,500-7,500Site Preparation (grading, utilities, foundation): $20,000–$30,000ADUs require separate utility connections for water, electricity, and sewer but you can tap into existing utilities at the primary houseIn Raleigh you CANNOT split lots fee simple, so setting up completely separate utilities would not allow you to section off the ADU as of nowYour ADU must be on a permanent foundation (no wheels, no ability to move the structure)Construction (labor and materials): $100,000–$150,000Low-grade: $150–$180/sq ft averageMid-grade: $180–$220/sq ft averageHigh-end: $220–$250/sq ft averageLandscaping/Finishing Touches: $5,000Total Estimated Cost: $125,000–$200,000You could easily spend $200k+ with super end high finishes, custom designs, complicated sitework, adding a second story or more sqft, etc.

Any feed back is welcome 

You could also look into regional banks or credit unions with experience in real estate development for middle-ground options.If I were you, I’d spend some time shopping around for the best rate/terms.

I am glad that I am not the only one who takes twice as long and spends twice as much, haha.

At 19, you’ve already mastered what most people spend years figuring out—turning determination into action and action into results.

Should I spend money on professional photos?