We exchanged cards and he asked me to email him for further information when it was available.I know there are a ton of politics involved, but my plan to move forward is this.Get my architect, contractor, and broker involved in my initial inspection.

A contractor gets paid once per month and it is common for the GC to frontload the payment application and it is the responsibility of your architect or you to verify the amount of work in place matches the amount requested for payment. 

I know leed certified architects, didn't know there are leed certified contractors.

My team includes a licensed Architect, a CPA, and a residential contractor--we're energized and excited to get started.

Hello BP gurus,I have a duplex that's over 3500 square feet, with a large partially finished attic that appears could easily become a third unit, though it will need a fire escape for a second egress.I would need zoning relief (variance) from the local planning board to become a triplex (there are a few larger multis in the neighborhood), help from an architect on design and code compliance, and a general contractor to build it.

I am an architect in the town of Sonoma and am increasing my stake in RE investing.

I bought the land, (it's already approved for 24 condominiums), there are some original plans that the architect is modifying and will be done in a couple of months.  

Hello Fellow BP'ers and especially Detroiters,I am an architect and an RE investor from Israel.Although I have been involved in the building industry for around 20 years, (mainly as an architect but also with RE investment experience locally, in the UK and a little in South Africa), I am relatively new to the US market.I have been following the posts and podcasts on this site for a while, and am really impressed with the length and breadth of the information and networking available.As you are probably guessing I was tempted into the Detroit market like a lot of others, seeking alternatives to relative low returns elsewhere, and promises of 2 figure ROI with ease.

When was "wearing my Architect's hat", I used to do lakefront properties.  

I was an architect for 35 years an was able to leave a successful and satisfying career, because of a real estate investment and our professional practice.We exchanged our office building into a 58 unit apartment project 10 years ago.