Next I plan on digging through J Scott's Guide to Flipping Houses.

Start by reading the Ultimate Real Estate Investing Guide: https://www.biggerpockets.com/guides/ultimate-real-estate-investing-guide/introduction 2.

Any realtor recommendations for the area that could help guide me a little about the area?

If the loan will be sold to Freddie or Fannie, you could get a trip to the nearest federal pen for the low low cost of $1M and 30 years.

@Joe Vahedi Every project I've done with recently added units has had some level of difficulty with appraisals - I have had to go out of my way to prove that the additional unit is permitted and compliant with zoning in order to qualify it with the underwriter and the income from it.Here's Fannie Mae's guidance on it: https://selling-guide.fanniemae.com/Selling-Guide/Origination-thru-Closing/Subpart-B4-Underwriting-Property/Chapter-B4-1-Appraisal-Requirements/Section-B4-1-3-Appraisal-Report-Assessment/1736875861/B4-1-3-05-Improvements-Section-of-the-Appraisal-Report-10-24-2016.htm#Accessory.20UnitsLenders and underwriters can speak to the details better than I can, but I would be VERY cautious about assuming a building with an unpermitted unit (even if typical for the neighborhood) would appraise with that unit included. 

Fee free to subscribe and follow our guide to do what we do.

Fee free to subscribe and follow our guide to do what we do.

Fee free to subscribe and follow our guide to do what we do.

Thats the point of broker cooperation, the MLS', etc.For some, a "great" Realtor is one who provides value by helping to vet incoming offers, taking care of inspections, helping with negotiations (depending on whether you use attorneys, sometimes the realtor provides another helpful line of communication), and being an experienced guide to a real estate transactions. 

I've been taking inventory of all the physical books I have and slowing reading through them.I also took the Bigger Pockets Ultimate Beginners Guide and started my real estate business plan.