Regardless, whoever rebuilds here will need to tear down the damaged structure, get an engineer to stamp new drawings, permit and rebuild a big portion of whats there. 

Were permits and inspections done on the additional space?

I know of about 10 projects(oracle campus and multiple Class A multifamily & mixed use developments) in that area which are in the permitting stage. 

Be careful buying here, several customers have had issues with buying properties and then getting citations for fences and enclosed lanais that weren't permitted.  

If I have my license and work for a broker, am I permitted to also do business investment deals independently?  

@Phillip JohnsonThat's not a scheme for newcomers to Canada - even if you read marketing copy which says so.High ratio mortgages, insured by CMHC (or Genworth or Canada First) can permit LTVs up to 95% on 1 - 2 unit residential properties and 90% on a 3 - 4 unit residential.While you may get an interest rate of 2.4% (which you would also get if you have good credit), you will pay an insurance premium of 3.6% on the principal of the mortgage.  

It is zoned and permitted for an 11 unit complex already - I've been toying with the idea of buying it myself - if nothing more than to prevent an 11 unit complex from going up in my neighborhood!!

(Plus, in Virginia, you'll probably have more permit requirements than I have here in Texas - you may have to get a structural engineer sign-off on any substantial changes.)Can you insure it cost-effectively?

Would the city have to issue a permit? 

In those states where formal probate is required, the judge has tremendous powers and latitude to require payment, even in States where statutes do not require this.There is no such statute for secured creditors  in CA, for example, however I've watched judges rule requiring PR's to liquidate and satisfy rather than permit distribution (or sale) subject to.I've never had such a problem, however my attorneys are good a finessing cases through.