Talk to your local bank/credit union first to see if they do such a things.

I'm not looking to get rich quick but I would like to start building a portfolio to eventually get out of the "9-5 rat race".If anyone is in the Birmingham area, I would love to meet up and let me pick your brain on things. 

Additionally, I have signed-up for a couple of meet-up events in my area to get any advice and insight.

For the railing height, I'd find a local carpenter to ask about completely removing the railing and balusters and doweling in an additional length on them.

We are now building our portfolio through flipping, BRRRR's, and additional STR's until we reach our end goal of unique stays in the form of luxury treehouse STR's on secluded riverside locales. 

Based on what I have experienced investing here locally I normally advice people keeping the house as a rental if possible!

Then from there you can call local PM's to get a better feel for market rents to verify your assumption for further due diligence 

Our current renter is likely to be renting for 4 years as she has kids at local school and 4 years would see them through to going to college.We have an old detached 1.5 garage that has functional automatic garage door, and just fits their car....not that they do it very often as I think it is a challenge. 

Others have said they'd only care if the appraiser pointed it out and that I should reach out to some local appraisers to see what they look into. 

I have a deal right now where a capital partner would likely get 20-30% returns but I have not been able to find someone yet despite setting up lots of meetings.