I assume a permit was pulled? 

Unfortunately this was held way too long due to a number of factors, including COVID, city planning and permit delays, delays in construction and materials, and additional delays by city.

You would use the $45k to pay for the 10%-20% down (depending on the lender you find) and your carry costs, inspections and permits, as well as the interest only monthly payments.  

Is it the city with permitting issues or is it the contractor doing the work, etc?

I've already reached out to 85 Design but looking for more, preferably a company familiar with La Mesa since the city can be especially tough with permits, etc. 

If developing, you will need a full team for entitlements and permitting (civil engineer, survey, architect, etc.).  

Is there any special permit and/or fee to be a landlord in St.

I'd never buy a development unless I was confident in the valuation and there was data to back the feasibility of the build. having preliminary approval is very different than permit ready where you can put a shovel in the ground day one.

Anaheim is a great location if you can get a short term rental permit

Property is exempt from STR permitting because the jurisdiction considers it to be a commercial lodging establishment.We've been pursuing an SBA 504 loan for it, which was going well until we discovered that the sellers have operated it only part-time the last 12 years -- intentionally blocking 60% of available room-nights because they just weren't up for running it full time in their retirement.