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

This is good because their feedback is usually based on working with a GC over multiple projects.Same goes for RE agents who specialize in new construction and investor rehabs.Draftsmen/architects have names they’ve ended up working with multiple times.If your permitting system is online you can pull building/plumbing/mechanical/electrical permits.

A design/build architect may be a better idea than a GC if you are going to pay someone to look after your project for you but that also depends on the amount of renovation you need to do.

Stephen Anthony:If the architect/builders were thinking serviceability, then there will be plumbing runs within the building - risers between the floors and horizontal runs between floors.

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.

. - Do you have an architect/site plan already drawn? 

@Alexander Felice I am happy to speak to you about my journey viewed through an Architects mind.

If I purchase a property this year and make payment to an architect and contractor towards capital improvements to the property, can these be added to my basis cost and offset the stock capital gains?  

He gave me an estimate of $25k, without permits or architect fees, to replace the roof (it's a 24x26 box with a 12/12) and do the exterior of an appx. 12 X 20 shed dormer with two low end windows and vinyl siding (no sheet rock/electric, etc. - I can do all of this myself.) 

It may make sense to first do a few flips in the SoCal market to increase capital for OOS deployment ala @David Greene.I am currently looking to meet investors, contractors, agents, lenders, inspectors, architects, City Council members, and Development Services Department members in San Diego.