RM-4.5 zoning would allow for a higher unit count and could provide more flexibility for future development, regardless of ADU policy changes.One potential benefit of rezoning before any citywide expansion is that it might allow you to lock in additional density rights ahead of any potential restrictions or revisions the city could impose when expanding the program.

if you miss your rate lock timing and it costs you to relock who should pay for that?

If you're going to need a mortgage, you're locked out of the game. 

With your pipeline of off-markets, cherry-pick the best for yourself to close on, and on the rest, lock them up with a long inspection window, and make sure you have an option in the contract to Assign the deal to another buyer.

Quote from @Chris Magistrado: I'm doing my research and I came across wholesaler who said if the buyer is requesting an inspection, they aren't a real buyer, probably just a wholesaler trying to scope the competition or lock up your contract. 

The next option is to get the device (you can get on Amazon) that shows the meter for what one unit is pulling versus the other.

I also think that investing remotely is something I would do after locking down my local strategy.

Those are people who have cash/credit and will lend to you if you have a good deal locked up. 

However, there's a critical detail that many tax advisors conveniently overlook when promoting these studies.Here's the uncomfortable truth: If you're a high-income earner (AGI > $150,000) and not actively managing your properties, those promised tax savings might be locked away for years.

Lock up your new property with a lease prior to selling your old property.