I would suggest to make sure that when you apply for your permits (if any) that you state that it's an existing residential multi-family building. 

The local government agency has made it so easy to get permits approved due to the shortage of housing.I am hoping we could network and attend seminar and grow our business. 

For that reason, and as distasteful as it may seem, as long as legally permitted, you probably will want to enforce the late fee.

You will need to contact your local zoning office, if your land is zoned, to determine if it is a permitted use. 

I was also wondering which government agency I would need to contact about permitting.

In a perfect world, rehab starts the day after closing or at the very least, you're submitting for permits at that time (if necessary).

Question is are any of the fees paid for contractor/architect/permits allowable for any tax offsets/carryovers/etc for tax filing? 

They tend to be very experienced, though; familiar with the DC permitting and reno processes; and with access to significant capital.

The only other way for him/her to know would be if you filed permits and made the cost of the improvements very high for some reason.Unless an assessor knows improvements were done, there is no good way for them to individually increase the assessment on your property.

Chris, see https://library.municode.com/f...Under the code, Permitted uses and structures in CRO zones include: (1)Medical and dental office or clinics (but not hospitals).(2)Professional and business offices.(3)Multiple-family dwellings.(4)Single family dwellings that were originally designed and constructed prior to adoption of the Comprehensive Plan.. . .This is not legal advice.