Don't you need an architecht or draftsman or designer in the mix here?

Google "residential styles" I bet you get tons of designs to look at, from tiny houses to mansions. 

,I actually had a design firm in Denver for 9 years, and prior to that ran the same company in the San Francisco Bay Area for 2 years (Minor Details Design | Drafting), and prior to that I had a stint at LLNL.

I'll have to do more research, but I believe the accessory dwelling designation allows for the two story brick garage on this property to be converted and used for residential or office purpose if desired.

I think I would also make sure that term of holding the assets make sense against the same time, perhaps by managing debt pay down in line with the project schedule if something does go wrong in the long run and a housing bubble pops, you are positioned well with your capital return and leverage if any.

XXXXX XXXXXX (also an owner and self designated representative for the units) to work out a solution not only for my tenants, but for the benefit of the entire complex.

Hopefully, you'll be able to convince the agents that there is no long-term issue and that they should still take their clients.To elaborate on what Bill said, a surveyor can do an Elevation Certificate that will indicate if the property is really in a flood plain or not (when FEMA does their maps, they don't investigate every house individually -- they just designate large swatches of area to different flood plains and it's possible that individual houses within the area aren't really below the flood line).

I once had a high-end client that we designed a two toilet bathroom for... with a urinal too.

Keep in mind this article was written at the height of the bubble.

I'm really looking into just having a niche in real estate marketing/web design/SEO etc. but also see that real estate (buy,Flip) seems to be something Im getting into.