@Dan Heuschele I would really have to blend the two perspectives between you and Ali because yes appreciation in the long run will make your net worth grow, but in the short run you don't get to take that appreciation to the bank each month and rent is not increasing by 20% each year like home prices are (maybe 5%).

Also, is there anything I should anticipate for additional costs to make the new space blend well where the wall was originally?

It is highly desirable to blend uses into the area thereby protecting the residential character of the area; but not create architectural or traffic conflicts nor permit the commercial development to expand into a regional center of such scope and variety as to attract significant volumes of traffic from outside the neighborhood.Even though I can think of innovative ways to increase the rent and current job market in Bakersfield with plenty of jobs in Oil and gas and agriculture section make this increased rent very doable, but I see that as wishful thinking and when making an offer, I want to be as realistic as possible and I will not hope for any income above fair market value.I have a feeling that most challenging part in real estate is finding the right property at the right price.

You can see if your broker can price the two loan refinance into one as a Rate and Term and see if that is a better rate than what you would get on a blended rate with two potions.

Did you have any problems with the picture areas blending in with the rest of the wall?

I will look into that option, I think it would blend in well.

Well after the offer was accepted the closing process was seamless!

Once those kind of lines started to blend, it can be tough for some people to follow the lease when it needs to be.

I probably blend in just as well today!

Maybe you can get into the interiors / architectural photography just to blend your skills with the real estate world.