A local architect and professional engineer would likely be familiar with approval processes and codes you will have to abide by.

When the auction started, the bid quickly went up to 25K with the 10K increment requirement prominently displayed.

I am also an architect. 

I have a simple R2A zone property that we are cramming 3 houses on and it took 19 months start to finish to get it finally approved to were we can hire architect to design and build.. 

Fully acknowledged that I'm not an architect/contractor with the credibility to make that judgement, but I consulted in person with several architects and contractors who all agreed that the addition looks at surface level well-built. 

My wife is an architect and interior designer in Singapore. so, she is also good in analyzing the property. mostly, we are looking for SFH or small multi-family.