Additionally the work so far has been done without a building permit.

Once I confirm the numbers and validate the deal, trust me, I will ONLY release rehab funds at certain, pre-defined stages, which normally track the permit process; carpentry/framing, concrete, electrical, plumbing, drywall, finish, final CO, etc.#5 - Oh, let's not forget..., What experience level does the borrower have?

But, there are other things to consider:- Was the conversion permitted?

We are pulling a few permits for new construction in the next few weeks.

In my area their are plenty of guys doing work without permits but if code caught you, their will be real problems and the money you tried to save is now costing you twice.

Who will obtain permits, plans, pay fees?

Be smart and pull permits too, it goes along way on the resale side

People are having to jam more folks in less space and so where room permits my props all have 2 washers and dryers.

Upon formal inspection for Home/Pest found unpermitted electrical/plumbing/foundation/HVAC work that is a section 1 safety/health problem.Bank won't reduce price to meet rehab costs, looking to call county permit office and place permit violation liens on the property to see if bank sees them as more serious issues and reduce the price.

You need to call your insurance provider.They will tell you a list of what is okay and not.Mine no aggressive breeds of animals is permitted or they will pull the policy on all the buildings.Rottweiler,Pitt Bull,etc.Some insurance policies have weight exclusions but some do not.Another important factor is the BITE HISTORY of the animal.If it's deemed a non-aggressive breed but that little dog has a bad history of biting people then I won't take the animal.I don't like pet deposits.You have to hold it like a security deposit.Instead I like a one time "pet acceptance fee" that is non-refundable.The tenants will say the pet won't do anything etc. but the amount of pet deposits that actually go back to the tenant after they leave I would guess is very,very small.You can also get the tenant to pay a pet fee per month.With the pet fee you need to figure out the cost of the unit for new carpet and damage to the base boards.The cost to be carpet,pad, and labor to install plus baseboard finish and paint.Used to you could put a vapor barrier between the carpet and the pad but it would be really noisy.Now if you spend just a little more you can get a scotch pad made out of rubber that is stain resistant.Then when you go to replace the carpet the pad is still good.Have in your lease that the tenant will be responsible for clipping claws,neutering,getting rabies and other shots to maintain the health and well being of the animal,etc.