Code for new living space has been 7' ceiling heights for a while.

These corrections will involve using the Change of Accounting Method Form 3115, in accordance with section 481A of the Internal Revenue Code, for depreciation adjustments totaling $127,493."

Please feel free to use code VENI324 when upgrading to get your investing career going!

Unfortunately given the zip codes that you like, those units start with $800+ for single family homes.

I’m an Architect and I would be wary to inherit someone else’s mistakes. if someone isn’t code complaint the new architect is on the hook.

Will people tell you how and why (I didn't do anything fancy, its just how the tax code works)? 

Keep in mind if you remodel versus new construction, there are likely different building codes.

You need to be careful with SIC code as well.

However, there are several homes lying just over the ridge less than 1/4 mile from our house that are completely in another city and zip code!

If you work at McDonalds flipping burgers or at IBM writing code, you're working, and getting paid to work.