Are the rocks a structural chimney or just a cosmetic addition?

You asked me about the limits of the replacement property and repairs, and I'll tell you that if the hoarder house just needs a lot of cosmetics and TLC you may be ok.

Rehab & Renting:For the most part this property only required a cosmetic rehab, but the project felt like it took much longer due to numerous little things popping up here and there.

Rehab is almost all cosmetic.

(full disclosure I am already working with an agent, he's actually already part of this discussion haha) Ive done cosmetic rehabs in a month, Ive done full guts in 3.

If they are purely cosmetic, I'd leave them off. 

What I do know: asking price is $300K, units rent for $300 a week, owner owns free and clear, per owner building on needs cosmetic repair, units are walking distance to the beach.

Here's the first one which definitely needs some cosmetic work on the exterior https://www.redfin.com/VA/Hampton/9-E-Cummings-Ave-23663/home/52046211And the secondhttp://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/1203-Victoria-Blvd_Hampton_VA_23661_M54776-86930

Appraisers look at a ton of factors including bed/bath count, square footage, acreage, neighborhood, etc. and the cosmetic condition is only one of many factors.  

My question: Do I need some kind of permit to make cosmetic changes to the house?