Long story short, the mother died and left the house to her drug addict son and he lived there for two years with no utilities and no garbage permit. 

I'm new to Bigger Pockets and I most say: this site feels warming, comfortable, informative, easy to follow as time permits.

If street parking is permitted by applicable laws, Tenant may be permitted to park vehicles on the street in front of the Premises in accordance with all such laws; however, Landlord does not guaranty the availability, quality or location of any street parking.

Is it unreasonable to ask a plumber to give us a 'consult' for a few hundred dollars to help guide us through making our own plans, pulling our own permit, and doing our own work? 

James Kojo[] Previous 24 monthly operating statements [] Current rent-roll [] Tenant Ledgers for past 12 months. [] Copies of all resident lease agreements and applications [] 2 most recent months of all utility bills for common area and currently vacant units. [] Copies of all existing service contracts and agreements. [] construction and other warranties still in effect; [] Insurance loss runs for the previous 5 years [] Most recent survey of the property [] Any environmental reports and description of any environmental remediation. [] all licenses and permits or certificates of occupancy or other documents indicating compliance with any applicable governmental requirements. [] As-built building plans [] Copy of each floor plan. [] Copy of property brochure. [] List of all property phone numbers (including general office line, fax, modem, internet connection, maintenance, security, etc.) [] List of all websites, domain names, social media accounts, or any other means of advertising or marketing associated with the property in whole or in part, whether transferrable or not. [] List of all trade names or intellectual property associated with the Property. [] Staff listing

I was hoping to find someone here who has gone through the zoning variance process before as the property I'm looking to buy is currently set up as an illegal duplex (located in R-3 residential zoning where two-family is permitted but not by right).

When time permits attend your local REIA’s and go consistently.

it seems permitted in your countyhttps://planning.saccounty.net/Pages/Accessory-Dwelling-Units.aspx

The maps generally (verification is needed) show where vacation rentals are prohibited, where they are permitted with a permit, and where they can exist and are exempted from annual permit requirements.

I am undecided on if it's best to pull permits & unsure of how I want to move forward.Would love to hear advice.