Full interior rehab was performed.

Owners mistakenly ASSUME all PMCs offer the exact SAME SERVICES and PERFORM those services EXACTLY THE SAME WAY, so price is the only differentiator – so, they often select the first PMC they call or that calls them back!

We've had all kinds of mixes -- 1/1 condos, 3/2 condo, 2/2 SFH, and 4/2 SFH, and they've all performed well for us. 

I've read through the General Plan and there is nothing else that broadens or limits this description that I can find.Generally speaking, does this mean that I should have ministerial approval to perform a condo conversion of these already-built-out units in the same sense that I would have ministerial approval to submit plans for a new construction condos if the land were still vacant?  

Based just on your DSCR calculations, it appears this property is significantly under-performing, or if it is operating well, then it is significantly over-priced.If your plan is to reposition the property, then you need a bridge loan or private loan to acquire and manage the property. 

of course you have to handle the inquiries… but it’s pretty easy… we’ve done it multiple times.Your 6% appreciation approximation is less than the 7% average return the stock market  does long term - and lately it has been blowing that figure away - though as they say - past performance doesn’t equal future performance. 

Look for feedback on their service quality, property management, and overall investment performance.

I believe IB is likely to out perform the San Diego general market.  

The higher the stakes (as in value, timeline or risk) the stronger lender profile and performance will be required. 

In the end, I likely lost a good chunk of time and money by choosing price over performance.