I retained an attorney recommended by another BiggerPockets member to review an Independent Contract Agreement I prepared for the rehab portion of the project. 

They have a firmc(s) on retainer that (I think) do it for a flat fee / success fee.

I have a 12 unit WW II era motor-court "motel" that I operate as apartments.I agree that it is critical to understand the municipality and retain a local architect type who knows the municipality personnel and the requirements.In my case, a change in zoning was out of the question as municipalities tend not to want to set precedent in changing zoning.

It was a great outcome - it is now cash-flowing north of $500/mo and they retain equity over $65,000.

I don't know if class or online is a better option but I think online forces you to read more / do more practice exams and I've retained a lot.

We'll call the piece being conveyed Parcel B and the piece being retained Parcel C. 

I was charged monthly during that period.I then paid a fixed price for each of the next three phases: schematic design, design development, permits.For the final three phases, I paid a retainer upfront and the total remaining sum accrued is being billed at the completion of each phase of the project.

Also the acquired title is given by a lawyer , it can cost $3000 minimum upfront to have them on retainer .

Then you can rent it now to further jumpstart the piano studio business and career change goals while retaining the option to move one or more aging relatives there if needed down the road.

Second, if you're retaining the LLC that you have right now, don't forget that any LLCs that are doing business in CA have to register in CA.