Cosmetic updates including full kitchen gut and updates, consolidate obsolete extra closet and undersized master bath into large master bath, finished empty basement into extra living room, etc.

I know looking for things like economic growth, industry diversity, and crime rates are important metrics, but what specific data sources are used to consolidate the information to analyze markets across the country?

We have counter-sued for breach of contract for not building to the scope of work and consolidated our separate lawsuits into a joint lawsuit.

The 1031 Exchange is a great way to diversify, consolidate or reposition your real estate portfolio without incurring taxes. 

Maybe look into loan consolidation 

I’m currently stuck on what brokerage account to consolidate all my investments in.

Try to consolidate loans.

We have a number of investors that we work with and it's super common to see them HELOC this property to buy that property, refinance the HELOC property to consolidate when they're ready, then rinse and repeat.Like Dan said, it's all about the numbers.

Its all about the lien position.In your example, you just do a refi for a $340 loan to consolidate the loan...As for as your second question, yes you need to "do something" to get the funds to rehab. 

Every market has a different market pattern.San Francisco for example, has 1 year bullish year with 2 year consolidation, that's the first wave.