Do Certain areas have restrictions on square footage / size, architectural style, etc? 

They may have additional setbacks, restrictions on RVs, fences, architectural guidelines, min sqft, etcThat being said some of those things are desirable to some folks.

Do not cheap out on a roof, put architectural shingles on and get it over with. 

Christine,I have worked with several contractors through my work in the architecture field.  

I think North Van Nuys/Panorama city is promising but still a ways off. 

As a quick introduction, I have invested in real estate for many years now both from education, architecture, construction, remodeling and real estate investing on an informal basis.

Some incredible architecture.

You will need to learn all of these components of a development deal: land acquisition, site selection and sourcing, zoning and entitlements, architectural design management, deal underwriting, financing, construction, leasing, property management, and sale or asset management.I would suggest working for companies that already develop the types of projects that you are ambitious to build in the future.

Self-directed IRAs have the same back end compliance architecture as a conventional IRA offered by a stock brokerage. 

They will require Architectural drawings, Licensed contractors, and a Building Permit, in addition to having field inspections of the work (even if it is already existing).