., permits, approvals, key fixtures), but were unprepared for the time associated with some of the smaller details—the lead time for the tiles we selected, not having planned our lighting fixtures and then having to redo electrical work when we picked a side versus top mounted light, having to scramble when selected items were unexpectedly out of stock, etc.

I'm often not quite sure what exactly is meant, because they have pre-determined codes that might not fit exactly the situation.

I am using private money and am trying to determine is this a good deal.

.$4850 sounds about right...yeah, the amount is pretty much determined by the city...so just pay them so that you get your permit as soon as you can.

Will they take less depends on if they have determined that the house is worth less than the FJ, and they decide to take less now, instead of later......otherwise they will bid up the FJ amount.

I also would love to pick someone‘s brain in person.

Here's a blog article that covers many of those sites that may be helpful to you: How to Determine Fair Market Rent.

I am trying to determine if the purchase of this house is a good deal for tear down and new duplex construction  numbers are 105k for house $225k for renovations.

Appraisals are done by people not computers, and those people do not want to gain the reputation of killing deals by coming in too low.It sounds like you have already done your own research and determined what you believe to be the property's true value.

Get educated then pick what you feel most comfortable with then educate yourself some more.