Also keep in mind, if you have room mates, you'll have to get a landlord permit.

I'm also hearing that compared to LA, permitted additions are easy to get approved via architect peer review boards, and while I'm not interested in that, it's still good news.  

Hello Engelo,Any advice to a newcomer?

Permits take forever for every village!

Outstanding permits. 

You just need to pull permits with the city for whatever trades that apply. 

I have plans and details, but need an architect to review the plans and create required docs for permitting.

When you get estimates, get it from at least 4 different people, especially if the work needs to be permitted.  

Army Corps of Engineer permits for large commercial development, specifically oil and gas pipelines, although that niche has been slightly stunted due our current energy crisis as of late.

Here we are only permitted a security deposit and the first month's rent prior to move-in, but in other places they are permitted to collect the last month's rent (sometimes only for the first year and they have to use it for your first month's rent if you renew for a second year).Understandably, $6750,00 is a sizeable amount to pay prior to move-in.