And then there's building code compliance - how hard is it to do, especially for a foreign-based design?

Currently studying my States Building Codes in preparation for the Contractor exam. 

Code requires access to your floor system so in pretty much any semi-modern home there is access.

Should I get an estimate from a home builder, see the zoning codes for the area, etc?

However from what I've seen it takes about 300 signs to get a contract and you'll want to keep putting new ones up each weekend because code enforcement will take them down.

Here is a link to the code that reads as such: IN CODE Section 25-34.1-3-2.(3) section 11 of this chapter;no person shall, for consideration, sell, buy, trade, exchange, option, lease, rent, manage, list, or appraise real estate or negotiate or offer to perform any of those acts in Indiana or with respect to real estate situated in Indiana, without a license.- See more at: http://codes.findlaw.com/in/title-25-professions-a...Here is a link to all Indiana codes for anyone interested: Indiana Real Estate Commission Laws and Regulations.With that being said, if you're considering a manager/management company here in Indianapolis, you can check to see if they are licensed here: Indiana Professional Licensing Agency.From the IPLA site, you can search both an Organization or an Individual.  

Every municipality will be different and you'll want to talk to their licensing and inspection people...and probably take on the boring task of reading through some of the code.

I am keeping options open to rest of state, but not in the extremely expensive zip codes.  

If you are looking for off-market deals and work with Cash Buyers, I will provide the deals in any Zip Code.  

and enough space in front to comply with code?