I'm currently a web engineer and have been fortunate to build websites and applications for some very prominent companies.

Some contractors will be able to help you (do them on their own) with the permits, if it's more complicated will need a architect.

School is good if you’re going to be a lawyer, Dr, architect, or something very specific that you need specific knowledge.

Get a Drafter you can trust: if you are very new at this: get an architect (bc they will have a license and insurance). * A drafter will be cheaper (any investor in your town or realtor that does flips or construction will know one): also a recommended contractor or even the city- building and safety workers, as they deal with them 24/7. 

This weekend Philly is having it's first Investors Real Estate Expo where there will be a slew of the more prominent names in Philly Real Estate.

The comps will be from high prominent neighborhoods, larger square footage properties and not accounting for adjustments, distance of comps is way off and when appraisal comes back wants to cry foul.

Personally, I have a bias against tattoos - especially those that are prominent or visible in everyday clothing. 

@Chris Martin The service fees he's talking about are actually displayed prominently on the cost comparison we (OD) send to every seller who requested an offer.

I have the funds to perform the urban lot split and pay an architect for plans . 

I paid this same architect $3500 for plans for an addition, another $4k in the survey and concrete certs.