Who was born knowing how to roof a house or be an airplane mechanic???

They will help with drawings for permits, they will ensure you fit the zoning requirements and/or code requirements, to include for things like historic architecture, likely have references for civil engineers, structural engineers, professionals for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP), and they can typically help you find an experienced GC for your specific project.I would also proforma out the project in 3 phases: construction (so, construction draws, financing costs, hard cost and soft cost expenditure, holding costs (soft costs)), lease-up, and as stabilized.

Always double check the main mechanicals of the property.

If you have automatic drafting or other mechanisms in place for rent payments you need to cut those off now.

I'm a mechanical engineer by day and budding investor by night. 

Always get info on the 5 major systems/mechanicals:       a.  

The basement is not a recreational area, any damage caused to the property mechanical operating systems (plumbing, heat, electric) caused by using the basement as a recreational area will be the financial responsiblity of the tenant.

@Joe S.Yes there is a property management company out of Mexico MOThe place has been mostly rehabbed (metal roofs and newer mechanicals and so forth) so it won’t need a lotI have been seriously considering it but just bought two other places and have one under contract so a little light on cashI can get it (I have looked at it three times and negotiated as far owner will go)...

I would appreciate if you could share your experience with emphasis on closing costs, unforeseen "hidden" fees, etc.  

I am stuck trying to understand the mechanics in the Refinance portion of "BRRR" method.