NYC is generally about appreciation although with the strict new tenant laws, I'd be hesitant to buy there right now. 

If for some reason she shows up, just be matter of fact that you'll only be a few minutes and that you're simply doing a routine inspection. 

While not strictly prohibited, the IRS generally does not like refinances immediately prior to a 1031 as they see the potential for it to be a way of you accessing profit from the 1031.So the general consensus is that it is best to complete the 1031 exchange and then immediately refinance to get cash out. 

California has appreciation, you're nearby, familiar with the area, higher prices, but strict tenant friendly laws.

Home inspectors are not contractors and will routinely recommend that further evaluation by a contrator be done.

Those who are dislocated from their homes may be unable to shelter in place and may have more difficulty maintaining a routine of social distancing.

With people traveling habits and work routines changing, I think this mid term stays will be something that will continue in some form in the future.

Routine, elective, and many semi-urgent medical procedures have been put on pause.

You won't learn to become a multi-millionaire real estate investor reading it, but you will learn whether or not you practice the habits that extremely rich and/or highly successful people routinely practice. 

As mentioned above, it might be possible but I assure you it's not worth it.Basement excavations are sometimes done here in DC, which has very high prices and very strict height limits -- a combination I wouldn't wish upon anywhere else.