If you are trying to get a cash out refi, I would think the bank would want to see the correct type of insurance for the business you are running.

They make their money off of real estate agents, but real estate agents are the worst people to make money off because they are highly unreliable and in and out of the business when the market changes.Their target should be the consumer with higher levels that they can subscribe too for data, since Zillow is linked to the MLS now which makes their data somewhere more reliable.

But I really see this as just business-  I want the best market I can get into. 

Quote from @Michael Beirne: Hi everyone,Some business partners of mine are looking into BRRRRing in the Baltimore market and are looking to find a GC, agent, property manager and an attorney that could help us affordably close on properties.  

When you say "we," are you speaking about your business or your personal tax returns, or does your business flow into your personal returns because you file as a sole proprietor?  

According to the Planning Board, the intent of the RM-2 Zone is to create, maintain, and enhance residential areas characterized by a mix of single family homes, duplexes, townhouses, small multi-unit buildings, and neighborhood businesses where appropriate.I'm assuming by definition I am zoned to convert to a triplex?

I see why they say, never go into business with family.

One thing to consider is that in terms of wealth building and Kiyosaki's Cashflow Quadrant, owing a rental and doing work yourself is putting you in the self-employed quadrant, not Business Owner or Investor.I think there are a lot of factors stacked against California for long term rentals, and I think you know it too! 

And while I agree that debt is often the cheapest form of capital, if you are looking at a project that involves some form of value-add business plan, you can always refi either when rates come down or you have increased the yield on the asset to exceed your interest rate.But like Stuart noted, for many groups, even the most seasoned syndicators, raising call cash for their deals is effectively impossible.  

yes, its a people business.