I called the zoning department and they said the property is listed as Commercial Corridor, that both houses can be used as residents, and I can rehab however I would not be able to increase the property size of it.

@Jonathan Klemm @Samuel Pavlovcik I called the City of Chicago Building Department and they were extremely helpful to advise there is a current and active permit that's good for one year (expires 03/22).

There is no Certificate of Occupancy (CO) on file and from my understanding, the only way I can confirm the legal use of this building (as a 2 fam) is by getting a "Letter of no Objection" from the Department of Buildings.

Not sure what kind of landlord you are, meaning if you follow the local rules 100% to the book or not, but you may want to check with the building department to make sure that is allowed. 

I know it sounds like I'm splitting hairs but some banks write HELOCs in their residential department....which won't write Investment Properties.

I know it sounds like I'm splitting hairs but some banks write HELOCs in their residential department....which won't write Investment Properties.

The city planning department and/or building department will have these records and can share them with you.

BUT, you might try this posted on the US Embassy website:  "For information concerning remote notarial and authentication services, we direct you to the following recently updated Department of State webpage.

(max # of days per year, only hosted STRs, permanent residence of the cities, etc)d )County planning department said that it is not allowed on the phone.

The only challenge encountered on this file was having to deal with the water department on the property.