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.

That said,  now that we have been in 'housing crisis' mode for a few more years,  and more construction and architect types are available due to economic slowdown,   it might be worth revisiting.   

Anyway, I started out working with an architect.

Traffic noise etc is also more prominent off a corner lot / intersection that a house in-between two other houses adding a sense of privacy (all depending on set back parameters and how much privacy is achieved). 

In many cities there are a few prominent leasing brokers, and you'll be able to find out who they are by driving around town and looking for the "For Lease" or "Space Available" signs with their contact info.

As an Architect, I used to design custom homes that a few of my Modular contacts could build in the factory for me.If you are buying them already on site, after market, that poses problems with mortgages for the buyers.  

Hello - I am looking for a an Architect and Contractor to quote a the remodel of an existing free-standing garage into living quarters. 

Get rid of the bad ones and keep adding good ones.SurveyorsLawyersRealtorsContractorsElectriciansPlumbersExcavatorsGlassPlanning/ZoningPlumbingHVACBanks/financingAppraisersEngineering or Architects and firms.Planning get to know the zoning map, zoning rules, and Proposed zoning. 

Who the architect was 100 years ago can have an effect on the value today.