How I would maybe approach it would be to reach out to brokerage firms and find out if they have a leasing department.

We're planted firmly in Atlanta.

I am a firm believer in constant education, working harder than the next person, and consistency will lead to the path of success.

i heard there are a restriction that i need to have a basement entrance from the first floor (stairway, which i want to remove), but could not find any official guidance on that, and could not get an answer on this question in the zoning dept.

I am a firm believer in the 1% rule (gross monthly rents should equal 1% of the total price of the property) as the floor for any deal.  

Louisville Building Permit application is nice and short but short on details.I am just removing a hall closet to widen the hall and relocate an outlet, I assume a permit is required.

I also want someone who will know me and my situation so if not a sole operator, a small firm that will always let me work with the same person. 

You just can close on your new property until your old property closes.It may take extra earnest money or removal of certain contingencies. 

Rarely does an architecture firm add extra cost for permitting.

Typically there is an agent that works at a firm that has connections to PM services and the like.