Renting a Basement: How Does Zoning Work?

[Taylar Caraway]

We are looking into buying SFH's in Atlanta that have a basement, side 'apartment', and/or in-law suite as a creative way to generate rental income while owner occupying the property. After some light research, we have determined that zoning and/or HOA's may pose a problem. If the property is currently zoned as single family residential, do we have to apply for a zoning variance? If the property has an HOA, do we work with them? Should we add someone to our team to help with this like a lawyer specific to zoning? What other resources can we leverage to learn more?

Specifically, we are looking in Marietta/Smyrna areas (Cobb County).

Thanks in advance for any insight!