For example, I am a little concerned about some aspects of the business cycle recovery and a potential for a double-dip so I lean toward the safest part of capital stack which is debt (or low-debt equity).

For the bankruptcy properties, we contacted the trustee phone numbers on the website, however, they usually just replied to ask us to look for debtor's attorney.For short-sales, we searched the listing on zillow.com, but majority of them are off market.We used BP recommended realtor and asked if they can help with the properties we targeted, the realtor searched for a week of the foreclosure ones and get back to me that she believes she will not be the right partner.

If the lender does find out that a property transfer has taken place, and chooses to enforce the due on sale clause, the lender must provide the seller (debtor) and, if applicable to state law, buyer with notification of default under the mortgage or deed of trust, and specific time as specified by state law to cure the default.  

Most courts have found for the creditor in obtaining full ownership of the debtors interest in LLCs, Corporations, and Limited Partnerships.  

Are you paying it off because you don’t like having debt, or because the interest you’re paying is higher than the return on the money you can receive by investing it (on a risk adjusted basis?).  

Do you want a DSCR loan (long term debt) or short term debt on the refi?

Are your current deals with fixed debt or variable debt?

. :)  but my equity share is controlled via debt or direct ownership. 

My dad taught me decent financials growing up and I'm the only one in my family who hasn't made a financially poor decision(some sort of bad debt or bankruptcy.)

Usually partners, capital partners want to see prior performance before being a debt or equity partner.