I am a structural engineer with about 15 years of experience including many high-end custom home projects over the last 5 years.

I am very new to real estate (engineer by trade), but really want to learn and understand the real estate world.

It's always great to have a spot with the locals rather than the OTAs at times because we can't control their algorithm, and there are dips and spikes.

Solid but more of a legacy build than a growth engine.3.

I’m a software engineer who’s just recently wrapped up my first 4-unit ground-up construction deal.

Hey look, I can use AI search engines too...10 Solid Reasons Why Hiring a Property Manager Might Be One of the Worst Decisions You Can MakeWhile hiring a property manager can offer several advantages, there are also significant drawbacks that could make it one of the worst decisions for some property owners.

I’ve newly joined our family business in developing commercial buildings and would appreciate your advice if the following potential project is considered as a strong long-term hold.Project Summary:40-year ground leaseInitial investment: $USD 930,000 (which includes the 10 years of prepaid land rent and all other costs  such as permits, contracts, engineering, geotechnical studies, etc.)Revenue & Occupancy:Annual rental revenue (Year 1): the equivalent of $USD145,000 (at 100% occupancy)7% shop rent increase every 5 yearsOperating Expenses:Recurrent yearly expenses total USD$20,000, covering: Security, maintenance, generator upkeep, insurance, taxes, repairs, and contingenciesLand rent restarts in Year 11 with a 10% increase every 10 yearsFinancing:With loan (USD$550,000 at 7%, over 6 years) → Break-even in Year 12After breakeven, the project produces pure cash flow for 28–32 years.

There's a quote that recently went viral from an engineering student saying "If I want an answer to a super hard engineering question I post the wrong answer on reddit.

This will serve as a filter for your actions, and you can reverse engineer your "next steps" from there.

But to stay in compliance with NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) rules, every detail must be handled precisely.Let’s walk through how it works under DOB’s Technical Policy and Procedure Notice #3/97 (TPPN 3/97), and why having the right professionals on your team is key.C of O Not Required—When You Follow TPPN 3/97TPPN 3/97 allows apartments in multi-family buildings to be legally combined—without triggering a C of O update—if:The overall number of primary living spaces (such as bedrooms, living rooms, dens, etc.) stays the same or decreasesYou don’t alter building egress (staircases, corridors, exits)The work is limited to interior constructionThis provision applies to all multiple dwellings in NYC, including old law, new law, converted, and new code buildings.What You’ll Need to FileArchitectural Drawings from a Registered Architect (RA) or Professional Engineer (PE)Alteration GC Application for general construction items like partition changes or internal stairsAlteration PL Application for plumbing work—particularly when repurposing or capping kitchen fixturesLetter of Completion issued by DOB when the work is signed off, confirming no new or amended C of O is neededTPPN 3/97 Requirements—SimplifiedSame or Adjacent Floors Only: Combinations are limited to apartments located on the same level or directly above/below each other.