One thing I would suggest is to look at the zoning laws and permits needed to do this transformation.

As a structural engineer in San Francisco, I've been on the permit, design, and construction side of single and multi-unit residential buildings for quite some time. 

As a structural engineer in San Francisco, I've been on the permit, design, and construction side of single and multi-unit residential buildings for quite some time. 

She even got a permit bond for just $100 last week to get permit in Missouri City since my contractor don't have it.. 

A good contractor can do this no problem and get a hard copy of the permit.

Finally, the permitting office is so busy, backed-up, and bureaucratically inept that we are having a hard time getting stuff accomplished. 

I *could* add another meter; however, its several thousand bucks, several permits, and a curious county asking why on earth would I want another meter on a SFH :)@Mart Brosas Best of luck to you with your first property, I think house-hacking is the easiest way in, and makes the most sense due to good financing options for owner-occupied.

Or just buy the STR permit and build the cost of the permit into the rent. 

Hi Deb,This is simply the case because 1) it is a small area relative to other suburbs and municipalities comprising Greater Cleveland and 2) it is more predominantly homeowner-occupant based than renter based.Olmsted Township requires a rental permit to lease out your property.

Follow the same approach for other types of commercial you think there may be missing.If the project looks feasible the next step is to check zoning with the city or county to determine how many units you can get, what is required for all approvals including parking requirements, site plan and building permits, proffers, water/sewer tap fees, bonding requirements, inspections and CO process and time frame for all approvals.You also need to check with the utility companies and get an idea of availability and cost estimates from them for water, sewer, power, gas, cable, installation and connection requirements, tap fees, hookup charges, transformer location and relocation, power line and power pole relocation issues.Check to see if you have to install any manholes, fire hydrants, curb, gutter, sidewalks, street signs, street lighting any specific street design or access requirements,.Check DOT requirements for access, stop lights and permits, traffic studiesDWQ requirements for permits, permit fees, time framesThis is a broad overview of the process and your civil engineer can handle all of this but it's good for you to know exactly what's required.