., most my houses would require extensive electrical update to support a conversion to electric stoves.

Here's the definition of investment: An asset or item that is purchased with the hope that it will generate income or appreciate in the future.

This would be one of the first item to complete.

@Ian Giles - welcome and glad you joined the conversation!

Still, I would take that certificate and have a conversation with an agent who understands flood (which you can find through the FEMA site) before you make your move.

Job is the most important item.

Thus far, it looks like most hard money lenders are charging between 4 and 10 points...wondering if others have had any luck in getting lower points...If points are non=negotiable, I'd likely borrow the minimum and use my cash on hand to keep financing costs in check.Other items to note include we have excellent credit and have a large amount of equity in our home of 10+ years.

If you can answer this question for me we can further this conversation if my gains don't take a huge tax hit."

We would like to get the zoning changed to make it a legal SFH and complete the interior conversion (basically making the 2nd unit living/dining into bedrooms)Does anybody know if I need an attorney or if I can just submit a zoning change request with the city?

This gives us the opportunity to have a face to face conversation with the tenant and get an idea of what their intentions/concerns are.