(Heck, I have to go to Home Depot several times for a simple repair on my rental) Like you, I Haven't started as I'm on the west coast for now, but each trip I make consists of a contractor visit and architect whom I show my envisioned design.  

I have worked for an architect and a developer before, but only on large-scale commercial real estate so I want to learn more about small-scale projects before making my first investment.My question is, has anyone used an architect or interior designer to take a look at properties on the market to (a) identify any obvious deferred maintenance issues, (b) help come up with a high-level scope for renovations, and (c) help come up with a ballpark estimate for the cost of making any needed renovations?

My wife used to work for Pierce County and then an architect and did permitting through several municipalities.

You will need drawings to submit, but they don't have to be from an architect. 

E&O for Architects/Engineers is quite expensive.

Chief Architect Home Designer.

Anyway, I turned it into a Fourplex by adding a second floor and dividing 4 independent áreas (durock walls) with 36 square meters each (With another 16k, 10 year loan at a 11.75% rate at another bank)Each área has one room, kitchen, living room, one bathroom and a laundry place, and since the average rent for just one room in the área is around $160 I´m planing to get at least $280 for each “space”.I already have a trustful architect, attorney, Handy man and I'm still looking for an accountant who knows about RE…I had a hard time with OPAMSS (six months to fulfill their estructural requests), but every single problem came with knowledge.

And how come i do not see much project manager/architect post in BP compare to contractors?

Do you have any favorite developers or architects?

I know the basics as of what needs to be done (find land, get architect design, choose general contractor, construction loan, permits, utilities.....).