Apply for a traditional bank refinance after 6-12 months5.

Apply for a traditional bank refinance after 6-12 months5.

It is very inexpensive (I think $80-120 depending on size) and the quality of the pictures is on a totally different level compared to an agents cell phone pictures.

Be mindful that, imo, real estate is a 'slow' moving vehicle when analyzing compared to say analyzing other business's.Good luck. 

The price was great, but I found it a nerve-wracking process the first time because it is so different to purchasing through the traditional channel. 

Align yourself with the right investor focus agent and team and you will be able to know all the off market deals and MLS properties that have been overlooked by the traditional retail agent. 

That does not mean they are not out there on the west cIast it’s just going to be a much different return on investment compared to say the Midwest and the appreciatIon factor wIll be hIgher In hot markets .

I don't know of any traditional mortgage lenders that will do or accept a drive-by appraisal - I have only seen hard money lenders do that

If you're going to do a traditional straight exchange the options you listed are correct.  

Some hard money lenders are also able to do a refi out of a flip loan or all cash purchase without the seasoning of the traditional mortgages, rental income history, or W2 income qualifications.You can also ask what problems and risk you are willing to take.