Instead of debates and personal opinion, look for proof https://www.ladbs.org/docs/default-source/forms/plan-check-2017/single-family-dwelling-duplex-plan-review-list.pdf under G (Interior Env) which defines the minimum requirement of a habitable room (aka bedroom or bathroom).

With small to mid size ski areas you may want to do some research and look at their growth plans.

It is hard to tell what's going to happen in the Danville (Casino) area, but from what I hear, the casino plan would bring in over 1000 jobs, new police precinct short term goal and actively trying to get other companies to move in to the area for long term goal.

Lenders typically allow borrowing up to 80% of the home's value, which could more than cover your renovation costs.Fix-and-Flip Loan (Hard Money Loan) – If you’re planning to sell quickly, a hard money loan could be a good fit.

A refi makes more sense if you plan to hold the property long-term as a rental.

Refinancing isn’t an option yet because of the way we purchased it (unless someone has a bank that will look at the deal differently) our original plan was to pay off our balloon in early 2027 when it is due which the bank will treat as a purchase and then we would wait until we are able to refinance so probably 2028 and then we could pull out a good chunk of equity at that time.

If not I wouldn't bother selling as there is an incredible amount of money lost in buying and selling properties, so you have to make sure you have a plan to maximize the equity and actually have enough. 

My initial plan had been to do something like Rent-to-Retirement or REI Nation- assuming that I'd be leaving money on the table to pay for their expertise, but hoping that I would learn through the process and develop the confidence to strike out on my own later. 

While we currently live in Stephens City, VA, we’re open to investing in other states where the numbers make sense.Real Estate Goals & StrategyInvestment Focus: Buy-and-hold rentals, short-term rentals, and potential multifamily propertiesMarkets of Interest: Open to investing outside of Virginia in cash-flowing, landlord-friendly marketsCurrent Stage: Learning, networking, and preparing for our first investment propertyLong-Term Vision: Build a diversified rental portfolio that provides financial freedom and generational wealthWhy I’m HereNetworking: Connecting with experienced investors, agents, lenders, and property managersLearning: Gaining insights from those who’ve built successful portfoliosCollaborating: Open to partnerships, joint ventures, and creative financing strategiesWith my sales background, I understand the importance of negotiation, deal-making, and relationship-building—all of which I plan to leverage in real estate.

A trust transfer allows for smoother estate planning, and if inherited after their passing, the land receives a step-up in basis, reducing future capital gains tax.Each method has pros and cons depending on their estate plans and your long-term goals.