If you have any more questions or need help with the financing of these projects feel free to DM me.

If it were me, I would pay her her half of the equity and do a refinance.

Things that could get in the way im putting out there now to make sure no surprises after someone does the work to get me quotes- New York State - Appraisal will barely be past 100k if that- 98% of my income comes from my rental portfolio (thats a new fun rule (to me) I just learned about)- Prefer something without a ton of fees and such.

Jim, please reach out to me! 

My main issue is that they misrepresent themselves as a direct lender.

The violations would include 'the personal occupation of a garage as residence' while asserting to police that he didn't live in it, along with the power overloads due to use not in keeping with a garage rental.  

Quote from @Marc Zak: In the market where I live (San Diego), appreciation has been strong and many predict it will continue to appreciate in the long term.However, with current interest rates (6% at best) and property tax (2%), the annual cost burden is 8%.Am I correct in saying that appreciation has to be above 8% annually (plus whatever my maintenance and vacancy costs are) for me to make any money in this scenario if the property is cash flow neutral?

My main motivation to eagerly learn is to achieve financial freedom and hopefully one day be able to retire my mom.

Let me know how it goes, down there in Charlotte! 

My son will be gifting the remainder to me.