I haven't personally gone yet because they are usually during a week night around 6-7pm but hope to get to one soon!

When we do the construction loan, we'll take the cost you paid for your lot, your soft costs (plans, permits, property prep, etc) and add it to the build costs (keep in mind, we'll make sure those amounts are fluffed and that they make sense).

You could volunteer as a front desk person on weekends and then gradually work your way up into an assistant while you work on your license... 

I don't know any personally but the Bay Area is such a huge market I'm sure you can find someone.

Personally If these rules keep investors out or financial trouble, I think they are very worthwhile.

My best lender when I was active was a private person. 

What are the risks if the person isn’t qualified?

I am sending mailers, but would rather not list my personal residence or use a PO box.

Personally I think it depends on the type of investing opportunities you're looking for and where or why we are seeing an increase in market activity.

The architect will have a structural engineer they usually use, you can go ahead and use that person or someone else.After that is done, have your architect draft a bid form/template.