The home is zoned R-10 but there were two parcels combined for tax purposes back in the 80's.

I am not too familiar with the zoning but it looks like the bottom is zoned for commercial and the top for residential.

I know it sounds abstract to most people, as we are always so concerned with the black/red on the spreadsheet - but - we have to answer for our dealings in this life, and if we can make the life of a person who is struggling better somehow, and we have the ability to do right - we probably should. 

Can you live in a construction zone for a few months?

.- If financing and you are depending on the income from the units to qualify, make sure to check the zoning of the property before putting in an offer (and spending money on a home inspection).

And I am aware the max you can build is 1100sqft, and I have done all the background work to make sure I have the zoning, meet all the FAR requirements, impervious cover, etc.Any recommendations on the project in generalFor anyone who's done a project like this:What is the timeline I should expect for getting all of the necessary permits before we're even able to start construction?

There is a rather large garage in the back that I am thinking about converting into a garage apartment if zoning will allow it. 

It is already zoned for it and it has the square footage to accomplish this.

I've got a multi-family site available that is zoned for up to 18 units per acre. 

@Robert Ellis - Oftentimes buildings are zoned with ground floor retail to stimulate the growth of walkable "downtown" areas.