It seems to be a recipe for the tenant to fall farther and farther behind on rent.

And it seemed so clear in my mind when I wrote it.

I did meet one contractor who seemed pretty on top of things.

This seems to be a typical operation by most unlicensed brokers.

Seems like a lot of potential hassle for $225.  

I'm looking into my first real estate investing deal, and the Tampa, FL area seems to be a great market for multifamily rental investing.

I've been calling attorneys but i cant seem to find one that specializes in creative RE.

It also  seems to fit you, as those are the two things you described that you want to do. 

Seeing as how I probably wouldn't be able to sell the property with the added 2beds + 1 bath without digging down -- a cost we're not willing to sink into this property yet -- it seems like just adding the stairs without permits (but up to code) is the way to go in the short term, just so we can at least get to the basement without having to go outside.

I've lived and presently live where I can hear a train, but at night my brain seems to shut it out, knowing that it's not a threat, so I don't hear it and don't wake up from it.