Lots of busy work, but nothing difficult about it, just time consuming. 

Meaning that the mortgage interest and taxes are not deductible in any way on a rental if funds from the loan are used to pay off consumer debts.

Or so but the only thing keeping me holding on is the thought of the possibility of a big jump in prices, say the next 3-5yrs.For me, the rentals just are not profitable and very time consuming as I've been managing myself and painting and cleaning etc for ea.

I have been consuming information nonstop for the past year, and am ready to take my first steps into the world of REI.

You can read more about that here: California Landlord Tenant Handbook.)It happens. 

Those people respond like any other consumer to the certain triggers. 

Hard money will be probably 10% and 3 points (generally) and then long term, no income verification, 30 year fixed money is going to be 6.75 and 2 or 3 points once the property is stabilized.We (meaning my company) always recommend going with conventional financing if you for a couple of reasons:It's better for the consumer because it's cheaper, especially in the long run. 

So transferring to a business means you do not need consumer protections (your PMI removal request alerted them that you are not a "private" borrower) instead you are a company and they are leaving money on the table by giving you those rates.

I've also got the VA lender's handbook (on the VA website) bookmarked at home.

Not the administrative stuff that consumes lots of time!