SB 9 Explained: Build 4 Units on One Property

Most people think SB 9 explained means understanding a law. What it actually means is understanding why you might be sitting on $400K in land value and not even know it.

My guest Eric Paul Escobar, CEO of Esco Builders, has actually completed an SB 9 lot split in Downey, California. Not theorized it. Not coached about it. Done it. It cost $50,000 and produced a back lot worth $300K to $400K. We break down exactly how that happened and whether it makes sense for you.

Here is what we cover:

✅ What SB 9 explained really looks like when someone builds it from the ground up, not just how the law reads

✅ The difference between an SB 9 unit vs ADU when it comes to appraisals, ARV, and refinancing, and why this matters more than most investors realize

✅ The full SB 9 permitting process step by step, surveyor, architect, planning department, civil engineering, county recording, and permits in the right order

✅ Why the lot split process steps California investors need to follow are different in every city and why getting that information in writing is non-negotiable

✅ How to subdivide land in California using SB 9 with or without a lot split, and which lot types give you the best shot

✅ The honest truth about ADU vs duplex investment value when it comes to comparables and what lenders actually look at

✅ Why very few people are doing lot split California real estate deals right now and what that means for the investors who are willing to be patient

✅ How Senate Bill 9 California real estate law stacks with ADUs to get you up to 4 units on a single family lot

This is not beginner content. But if you are ready to go deeper than ADUs, this is where the real land value is being created right now.