If you do this do you still go through a closing attorney or title company? 

I’m moving out of the house soon and will be living rent-free with my wife at my parents' place in the Bay Area due to some recent life changes.Here’s a breakdown of my situation:Location: Sacramento, CA (4 bed, 2 bath, recently renovated)Current mortgage payment: $3,940/month (including escrow)Mortgage balance: $475,000Current home value: $515,000 - $535,000 (based on comps)Rental estimate: Property management companies are quoting $2,600/month (with fridge/washer/dryer included), but some websites suggest it could go for up to $3,000/month.Planned budget:$540/month for capital expenditures and maintenance$100/month for lawn careTenant to cover utilities (gas, electricity, water)7.5% vacancy rateWe bought the house thinking it would be our forever home, but with our current situation, I’m trying to figure out the best long-term plan.

I started my investing journey ~3 years ago in CT.

Insurance company is making me get a UL certified central fire alarm system for this 4 unit I bought in PA. 

Problem is, my brother started dating a girl... he didnt want to work on the house anymore.

There could be tax implications as appreciation then starts to affect you after that 6 month time frame.

Personally, if I were you - I'd start out with a house hack on a duplex or even fourplex.

I'm excited to start this real estate journey, which is entirely new to me.

If I am starting out as a real estate investor interested in being a rental landlord (still working out the main type of rental I want to work with), can I refinance the house with a higher rate and make it a rental to my husband as my first rental?  

(you can get the process started after 60 days) We have the 90 day season rule.