While using a QCD may encourage the Clerk to accept the deed for recording it won't help if the DOR decides to audit the information provided with the conveyance. 

A local RE professional should be able to provide this information to you as well.In New York, we deal with this scenario frequently and oftentimes it does not make sense to legalize ADUs because the permit process is extremely lengthy, the cost is high (sometimes $150-300K for 1 ADU unit), and the potential increase in property valuable is not worth the risk.If you already have an approved permit/plan and can get your renovation down to $80K, you may want to consider this project if the ARV is say north of $800K.** You should also look into any potential property tax increases associated with this change.

Any script suggestions or insights on how to build rapport and secure deals would be greatly appreciated.

As long as your credit is good you, if your HELOC rates go up, you should be able to rinse/repeat that "0% balance transfer" option every couple years until the debt is paid off.There are alternatives out there as wellLoan on your 401k or IRALoan on your stock accountDown payment assistance programs that provide all or some of the downpayment money.

I'm a software developer and very good with a spreadsheet and all, but I'm wondering if I could secure an experienced lender who not only can lend, but also provide advice on a deal like this from having financed similar situations before.Pointers to financial calculators for such an endevour and hotel/motel renovation-style lenders & contacts appreciated.Thanks,Matthew

May states ca provide a good return/cash flow on a purchase price of $175K to $300K.

The management company just happened to be hooked into the deal with Growth Equity group and they also provided the interest only hard money loan for the balance of the purchase price. 

I caught up a couples defaulted loan which was 15K in arrears, which I paid directly to the lender for security reasons, in exchange for an Option to purchase their house.

So bottom line... is this a fairly secure investment to test the waters for me into this space?

Security gate latch had been disabled