Hi @Chad Gaither, I spoke with another investor here in BP, @Grant Anderson, maybe he can help you with some insight if time permits.  

I need roofing done and was presented a cost of $28k, exterior painting of $9.5k ( 2 story SFH).For the one bedroom ADU (ncluding plan/permit), tearing down of existing garage and fence, it will be $230k.Balance on mortgage is less than $200k and the latest appraisal is at $900k.I am now approved to refi at the rate of 4.125%Before I sign the final documents, am I making a sound decision here?  

Placer County is not issuing any new permits until April 1st, 2022.

Raw land 'could be potentially good', also, if in an area that is growing fast, has easy access to the interstate- to buy and hold and sell to farmers maybe (maybe at first, while the area is 'growing up around it) or eventually to builders- but you'd have a lot of due diligence to do before buying, then you have to determine the highest and best use for the property in the end- before buying, paying for and performing perc tests every 12 feet or so, determining if the area can be serviced by city water and sewer or if the tracts would have to have well and septic permits pulled for each lot, etc.- you may lose some acreage if you find unsuitable soil or creeks or wetlands, so land can be a risky investment.

I would try to see the permit/inspection sticker to make sure it passed free and clear. 

There was an article last month stating that the Board wants to stop permits for new construction in Wimauma, Manatee, South County areas because there is no more Water for new developments.

Apartment buildings require architect plans for anything but the most simple and cosmetic fixes, not to mention permits.

I was able to get permits and in the end will have a very unique product, but it wasn't cheap. 

Other then a roof or full air conditioning replacement which require permitting, I am doing the work while living in the home.

“handyman “ legally need to be registered HIC, but I assume they get away with it because they wouldn’t be pulling permits.