. ($316 now) Last year it went up $36 and I just talked with them and they are proposing it will go up again, how much, I don't know.

Should I refi for a 30yr and take cash out like I’ve proposed above?

Something like "Please let me know your views on these proposed changes, and why they are in the nation's best interest." 

I don’t believe the scenario you proposed, which is renters in rooms in the house and you in the in-law, would technically be a legal use of the in-law.It probably wouldn’t matter but in theory if you had any problems with neighbors they could complain to the town and the town could issue a violation and you would have to stop that use.

So long as the rent is equal to or up to 15% higher than the proposed PITI mortgage payment, then you are good to go.

Has anyone looked at the draft legislation under consideration by the House in the Federal budget reconciliation bill?

While the current lifetime exemption is approx $ 11.7M, this is set to be cut in half effective 1/1/26, and that reduction may further be accelerated if tax legislation gets passed.

I'm trying to understand this a bit better, hence the reason for the thread, to weigh in my proposed method versus your proposed method. 

You are right, this is proposed legislation and our industry is actively fighting against the sections that would most negatively affect self-directed retirement account investing.

Also any helpful hints on what to look for in proposals from architects and engineers would be greatly appreciated.