I also hope to gain some clarity in my strategy and start applying and taking action on the things I have learned rather that sitting around forever.Looking forward to networking with everyone here!

that instead of being available as a helpful tool that gives clarity to the buyer, the appraisal is more the determinating factor for value (as opposed to demand).

Hopefully these responses give you and others the clarity and motivation to get going. 

Understand hard to advise but willing to help if you can sharpen your pencil, gain clarity on some of this then come back to BP.

Odds are he doesn't have the answers you are trying to extract from him and he feels annoyed with your constant nagging for clarity.   

In addition, a land trust can help avoid county transfer taxes and help avoid due on sales clause when encumbered property is transferred into LLC as long as property 4 units or less and doesn't have a loan that is federally backed.Portfolio lenders who give commercial like loans evaluate  a deal based on DCR and most will only lend to a business entity like an LLC.I hope this provides some clarity.

For further clarity, here is what Regulation Z Subpart C §1026.20 says relative to our discussion:The following shall not be treated as a refinancing:1.  

I thought it might be of help, or provide some clarity.***********************************3.

I would say--pencil out the numbers of every single scenario and I feel like that will present at least a little bit of clarity on which options are even feasible and then you can go from there.I don't have a more concrete opinion on that as it's a bit out of my wheelhouse, but one other thing is that @Jeff Greenberg holds a monthly networking meeting in Santa Monica (2nd Saturday of every month) and it's very casual and people all introduce themselves and then anyone can ask anyone questions.

When folks start questioning the government data and call it bogus I think it displays a lack of understanding/clarity about the macro economy.