Originally posted by @John Corey:
Shop around and get to understand the lenders better. Cash out refinancing on a commercial property is different than SFR. They want the rent roll to season so they can see that the rents are stable at a level before they will lend on that income stream. Hence the 2 years. It is more about how consistent the rents are than exactly 2 years. Commercial lenders are really lending on the income stream and not on the structure. The structure only has value because of the current and projected income stream.
Look for a portfolio lender who can advise you on which of their products are best. They may have a loan program that will work by cross colateralizing the land and the 10 unit property. Or, they have a purchase product with a draw down facility if you complete some refurbishment.
I would not be in a rush to buy until you have figured out your loan options. If you fail to clear the 12 month loan secured by a lot, you will face a foreclosure. That will kill any refinance on the 10 unit property.
Time to do your homework.
I can always borrow the money from my parents to clear my equity line out for a couple weeks, and then pull it back off if need be. I definitely wouldn't even consider a foreclosure. Im thinking of selling some farm equipment I have to pay the equity line off completely if I go this route. That would allow me to have the line open for other properties. Im definitely going to do my homework.
Still learning on how to scale up on properties. I really have a desire to go the multifamily route and being so near a great college will really help this property. From the investigation ive done so far, it seems that the current owners inherited the property and just haven't raised rates in years.