We asked for a detailed invoice, which came in the form of "materials and labor = $9500, Permit costs = $300".

With this in mind, I have tons of "permitting" knowledge (are you getting fines from the city or county on a property you purchased and can a permit take care of that?) 

Out of interest, what are the rental / permit requirements in Indio / cathedral City?

Grandfathering in CA generally permits only items that's out of date and legal.

If you shoot me a PM I can run comps for you both on value and rent.If interested in selling for land value I have builders who would snatch it up pending rezoning/permitting.

im in the same boat looking to develop a 2 acre stretch of warehouses into a 65 unit mixed use loft development. i have started meeting with city officials and we have brought on a community planner and project manager. both local to deal with the city, permitting, and bridging the gap between our new vision in a up and coming are and fit into the local culture. 

Please email me when time permits.

The problem you will come up against is that they are going to want it fully above board -- permits, plans, everyone licensed, all those little things with fees and time-costs that add up.

However, suspect much more likely that Austin large scale multi-family developers are at some point successful in overhauling the restrictive building code, permitting process, zoning rules, etc as have been the more focused effort (think codenext debate).https://www.businessinsider.com/does-rent-control-...

Be sure to get necessary permits and follow building codes.The plumbing materials should be in keeping with the type of home.