There is no hard and fast method , besides experience . 

I really like how you worded all this Tyler; it's very intentional, methodical, no ego and all learning.

Columbus has become a major tech hub in the midwest with large companies like Intel investing $20 billion, Amazon investing $3.5 billion, Google building 2 new data centers: one in downtown Columbus and the other in right outside of U.S. 33 in Lancaster.I recommend working with an investor-friendly agent who focuses on cold-outreach methods like cold-calling, cold-texting, etc to bring you off-market deals.

But I feel I see some people grow rather rapidly. wasn't sure if they were using some sort of other method to get ahead. 

That weird uncle everyone has will be glad to help take care of any family member disputes with unconventional methods, boating accidents, hunting accidents happen every day.

Then, with reasonable confidence you can estimate costs.I personally don't love the square foot estimating method for remodeling as I think it is an easy way to lose.

It's probably not that much additional overhead, but since we're new to managing remotely I figured it might be best to follow the KISS method as we get started.

Quote from @Renee Pohle: Please talk to an attorney and create a strong partnership agreement that includes a method for parting ways.

Nonetheless, I agree... with your mortgage rate being so low, it seems like it makes sense to access the equity via other methods beyond refinancing. 

A 14-50r plug was always the preferred method, especially before the world woke  up and switched to the Tesla charging standard.