@Grant GibsonGo through BP by doing the reverse engineering.

I recall a case where a court held that the act of having engineering plans drawn up was the first act of visible construction.A quick review of DC's lien provisions appears to show that a sub's lien rights relate back to the date of first work and the sub has up to 90 days after completion of the project to file so someone who close on a purchase of the improvement 60 days after completion may wake up to find a lien has been recorded the next day so it's not gap matter, it's a post-closing matter.

Hi I'm currently a student in college studying Mechanical Engineering and a friend and I are looking to invest in Real Estate once we graduate in May.

An additional benefit of a detailed engineering-based Cost Segregation Study is that it can increase potential insurance premium savings as well as provides support for the property tax appeals process.Additionally, it can help maximize renovations and improvements.A Cost Segregation study is an IRS approved federal income tax tool that increases near term cash flow by utilizing shorter recovery periods for depreciation to accelerate return on investment.

Also, looking to do some rehab - so if you have any contractors, engineers/architects or handyman, I will highly appreciate sending their info.

Understanding how to uncover the potential opportunities by solving the seller/owners problem then engineering them to profit takes time & skill. 

She is the only real estate investor there,  but you have to take into consideration that she is fully aware of the low success rate of their program and that she is there to keep the engine going for their educational business, which is the real nature of their business, making money on the program. 

people outside silicon valley just do not know that the silicon valley has been very dependent to India and China these day that even if the entire silicon valley has only 10 people, company can still operate because they have thousand engineer in India and China.This is very different environment than compare even 2015 where US is still having bargaining position.Lot of American tech product has been swapped by similar Chinese product , especially in Latam and Asia.The threat in CA is also rising because cost of business is rising a lot, so for company that can't strategically move to India they have to move operation and other thing to Texas or Midwest.

You could run the idea by a structure engineer and GC to get their opinion on what it would take.

That includes the architects, structural and MEP engineers fees as well as the city permit.