Can this approval be applied for without getting a permit for the shed (which is otherwise not required)?

I discovered Bigger Pockets a few months ago and I wish I had known about it sooner as me and my girlfriend handled the property management ourselves and could have used the many tips and community support BP provides.I want to continue to acquire buy and hold locally (MFR) as the market permits (prices seem a bit frothy right now in LA/OC) and I am also interested in vacation rentals.

Then there is the time to negotiate the new lease(s), preparing space plans for the new tenants needs, preparation of new working architectural drawings, typically 30 days for a building permit, demolition cost and time to remove the old improvements, and then 30 to 90 days for new buildout and occupancy. 

The problem is, each city is unique in the amount of time they take to process for permits, some cities do in house others farm out plan checks, etc.

Seller will convey the Property to Buyer at Closing with marketable title in fee simple by transferable and recordable general warranty deed, with release of dower, free and clear of all liens, encumbrances, conditions, easements, and restrictions, except for: (i) those of record which do not interfere with the intended use of the Property as a permitted use under the current zoning for the Property; (ii) those assumed by Buyer; or (iii) those which are open and notorious or which could be determined by a visual inspection or survey of the Property.

Many would say the only thing you're permitted to do is check your account periodically to make sure all the deposits are coming in.  

You will need to do more research on the property as some locations now will not even issue a building permit if the grade is not above the 100 year flood plain, which this being an AE then It is not.

Just because the statistical data says a home is worth $212M, doesn't mean the house hasn't been gutted or that the 2,000 square foot add on wasn't done with a permit or that there isn't a crackhead living in the place right now using the furniture as firewood. 

Does anyone have a recommendation for a software to create a layout/drawing for my contractor to use for his permit request?

This permits me to keep copies of all deposit items in the event something ever happens again.3.