Also, you'll need an architect and engineer inspections to make sure the structure is safe. 

Consult a structural engineer for other material choices.

I come from a structural engineering background, and I find comfort in calculations--the numbers don't lie.I confidently bought my first BRRRR (small multifamily) within 6 months of finishing the book.

Some of my clients have used a company called Rezio for Architectual, Engineering, and Permitting, they are great to work with and handle the whole process. 

My name is Aaron Wilkins and I am IT engineer in the DC metro area.

More power to you if you have some "code" 100s or 1,000s of REI (a bunch of them are here in BP Nation) with software engineering degrees haven't figured out.

I have been buying tax liens for about 15 years and have quit my day job as an electrical engineer due to the Tax deed rental houses I now have.It takes work.

Are you an engineer, an attorney, or another investor with less than twenty years around RE with a bad college education?

The city gave me 3 options: 1) return the unit to a garage, 2) get an architect or draftsman to draw up the building plans and then pull permits, or 3) get a structural engineer to "stamp" it and say that it's up to code.

An additional benefit of a detailed engineering-based Cost Segregation Study is that it can increase potential insurance premium savings as well as provides support for the property tax appeals process.Additionally, it can help maximize renovations and improvements.A Cost Segregation study is an IRS approved federal income tax tool that increases near term cash flow by utilizing shorter recovery periods for depreciation to accelerate return on investment.