I will be blunt and tell you that it sounds like your approach is a bit naive.

I ultimately obtained a variance to build 12 townhomes and 18 condos reliant on my hardship case and by agreeing to take responsibility for replacing the retaining wall in a re-designed terrace approach that stepped the wall back from the most immediate neighbors which was a rounding error once applied to the overall project budget.

I run sum numbers for you please see comments below before refinancing and post refinancing .If I were in your position, I would approach it as follows:Initial Investment Assumptions: Market Value: $360,000 Purchase Price: $360,000 Equity: $0,000Financial Breakdown: Hard Money Loan (LTV 100%): $360,000 Interest Rate: 10% (30-Year Amortization) Monthly Payment: $1,995Upfront Costs: Origination fee (1%): $3,600 Closing Costs (3%): $10,800 Renovation Costs: $10,000 2 Month of Carrying Costs During Renovation: $5,390Total Upfront Required: $29,790Total Capital InvestmentPurchased price $360,000 Upfront Costs $29,790Total: $389,790To make this investment work, you need to rent the whole property for at least $3,165/month, refinance it let say after one year with 5% interest with a traditional mortgage.Year One Rent: Monthly Rent Income: $3,165 Monthly Rent Losses during renovations (2 Months): -$6,330 (-$527/month distributed over 12 months) Total Rent Income: $31,650 per year => $ 2,638 per monthMonthly Expenses: Hard Money Loan Payment (10% Interest): $1,995 / per month interest only Property Tax (Assuming $3,000/year): $250 per month Property Insurance (Assumption): $100 per month Utilities (Hydro, Gas, Water): $292 per month Assuming 0% Vacancy first year Assuming 0 % Repairs & Maintenance first year because unit has been recently renovated Total Monthly Expenses: $2,637Monthly Net Cash Flow: $1Post-Renovation Refinancing Strategy:So far, we’ve purchased the property, completed renovations, and rented it out.Next, you can approach the bank for a refinance to consolidate your initial investment of $29,790 plus your 360k debt into a mortgage.

Quote from @Chris Mason: Rather than starting with one lender and going back to the tenants, another approach would be to work with a commercial mortgage broker who will put the full credit package in front of 10 or a dozen lenders, and see what they come back with.For example, for scenarios like this, I've seen lenders come back and offer a new loan that has a maturity that's coterminous with the lease.

Being nice to lazy investors, just rewards bad behavior and doesn't push them to be more resourceful - and hence more successful.It is a free country though, so best of luck with your approach:)

Can try to reposition to Class B, but neighborhood may impede these efforts.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, but 15-20% should be used to also cover tenant nonpayment, eviction costs & damages.Tenant Pool: majority will have FICO scores of 560-620 (approaching 22% probability of default), many blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 2 years.

There's no one size fits all approach to real estate investing and depending on your resources, skill set, and capabilities you may excel in one particular market or utilizing a specific strategy whereas another investor will excel using a different approach.  

Without a permit, the rental income might not need to be reported, but this approach risks legal issues, loss of tax benefits, and complications during audits or resale.

Definitely curious about your approach to this   Of course!

If you feel a consultant would help you reach your goals faster, then get one:)Not sure how well the, "one-size fits all" approach works.Guiding you to find your own path would seem a better idea.DM us to chat more!