Creates another layer of asset protection in case of an FDCPA or other suit.

Chill out with the power suit and fancy photography. 

have seen homes on similar size lots go for around 150k. the land is just sitting there for several years going on decades. the shrubs seem to be well on their way into growing into trees; is there like a service that clears lots for a fee, or maybe it would be more cost effective to put a (manufactured?)

We typically use the following allowances:Revenue:     Vacancy   8 - 10% (even though the vacancy in our areas is running from 4 - 6%).Operating Expenses:Maintenance and repar:  10% (of effective gross revenue)Property Management:   7 - 10% (of effective gross revenue)Reserves:CAPEx reserve:    8 - 10% depending on the age and condition of the property and its major systems.

My name is Hector Marin and is my first experience in this web site, I'm looking to connect with awesome people who want to create win-win opportunities for business, and also with those who believe that a great way to success in business is by connecting and building effective teams. 

My  contractor has advised that it would be more cost effective to simply furr out the walls and put up a nice smooth dry wall instead of trying to even out/improve the current situation.

Thank you Sandra for the heads up, I retired in 07 and never encountered it in the field and the damaging effects probably took some years to manifest....  

While I am not familiar with CA zoning, I know in some areas that a mother-in-law type suite is not a separate dwelling and must share utilities and often can not be rented out.I would confirm this personally with the zoning department, and not just trust the Architect, since you dont have previous experience with him.

So I am, in effect, starting over again from scratch.

Meet with contractors, get quotes and choose the best suited (do I need a permit in all states to do work?