1) i don't know of a state where performing a real estate function for another is legal without a license...so i would love to know which states permit that2) if you dont have a lease agreement, then you could be considered a squatter and even if that does not apply...you most likely have no recourse3) improvements are explained in a lease agreement and most of the time require owner approval and no reimbursements - improve at your own riskgood post with many lessons to be learned/

If so, how much for each permit x20=$$.This is obviously a c-d property.

Out of ALL the methods community, which one would you suggest for a newcomer?

You can fund your rehab with these cards as well.I bought my first deal like this.  100% funded with plastic.With that said, I always tell new comers to at least get one small rehab under their belt no matter what strategy they are going to do in the future. 

Get a permit and hire a contractor to perform the work2.

General handyman is also a must.Eventually, you will also need a licensed electrician, lawn care/snow removal person, licensed contractor (for pulling permits), masonry person, etc., etc.But first things first are the big 3.

I love my architect in SF because he knows the nuts and bolts of pulling permits as much as he knows building codes and design.  

HI Melissa,To get some correct numbers for your build, you would need to "permit ready" blueprints.

Schedule permitting, hopefully Ill see you at the next meeting.

Think about what public records tend to be very accurate (ownership and loan information, deed related data, etc) and run largely off of those, because anyone can change structural details without telling the county, getting permits and reassessments in order to reflect those changes, etc.