Thank you Kenneth, I will definitely reach out!

Hey Duane,The quickest way definitely would be a HELOC to pull equity out. 

You can definitely do this via a title company to record a mortgage on title 

I am very interested in a few properties, but the lack of an escrow is definitely unsettling.

Do deep checks on possible deals, including looking at the property, having it inspected, checking the title, getting legal advice, and weighing risks.

That's far from a definitive answer because its an owner occupant and a single family, but I would imagine if you e-mail the house/building department they should be able to give you a firm answer.  

If your new primary costs you $1800/month after the basement is rented out but you can rent out your previous primary for $1800/month and you are in the same financial picture then it is definitely worth it!

That's definitely something to consider. 

I definitely wouldn't rent it to the neighbors that aren't employed.

@Carol Lam I agree, he has great books out there with great content that are definitely worth reading!